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A 



SOLDIER'S Reminiscences 



IN 



PEACE AND WAR. 



BY 
Brig.-Gen. R. W. JOHNSON, Retired, 

li 

BREVET MAJ.-(,K.s U. S. A. 
AUTHOR OF "life OP GEN. GEO. H. THOMAS." 




PRESS OF 

J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, 

PHILADELPHIA. [y , 

1886. ~" 

6^ 



EI\ai 



Copyright, 1886, by R. W. Johnson. 




TO HER 



WHO HAS BEEN A TRUE HELPMEET, AND WHO HAS BORNE UP WITH NOBLE 

FORTITUDE UNDER THE MANY HARDSHIPS AND PRIVATIONS WHICH 

HAVE FALLEN TO HER LOT AS THE WIFE OF A SOLDIER IN 



PEACE AND WAR, 



AND WHO HAS CHEERFULLY ENDURED ALL WITHOUT COMPLAINTS OR 
MURMURINGS, 

THIS VOLUME 

IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BY HER HUSBAND, 

THE AUTHOR. 
St. Paul, Minn., July i, 1886. 



PREFACE. 



Once, in familiar conversation with a friend, re- 
calling incidents of our early and later lives, I was 
asked, "Why do you not employ your leisure hours 
in recording some of your experiences in the various 
and interesting vicissitudes through which you have 
passed?" It was added, "The occupation would be a 
pleasure for yourself, and your relatives and friends 
would preserve such reminiscences with an affectionate 
appreciation." 

Almost involuntarily I drifted into the line of the 
suggestion, never thinking for a moment of publish- 
ing the sketches and reflections which have formed a 
panorama of my hours of recreation. 

The accumulations, however, of these recitals and 
delineations came at last to equal a volume, and then 
came the urgent solicitations of friends to publish 
them in book form. I consented to do so, and this 
volume is now presented to the public. 

R. W. J. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 



I DESIRE to acknowledge my indebtedness to Gen- 
eral R. C. Drum, U.S.A., Colonel R. N. Scott, U.S.A., 
Thomas W. Teasdale, Esq., Lieutenant A. B. Johnson, 
U.S.A., and Lieutenant William C. Brown, adjutant 
U.S.M.A,, for copies of official papers embodied 
within this volume. 

R. W. Johnson. 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

IN PEACE AND WAR. 



CHAPTER I. 



My Fourth Great-grandfather — Date of Birth — The First Railroad 
Iron laid in the United States — My First School-house — Haley, 
the Teacher — A Dull Razor — Keeping the Sabbath — Catechism 
and Bible, and Bible and Catechism — Teaching the Negroes — 
Death of Parents — A Good Rifle Shot — 'Possum and 'Coon 
Hunting — Cooking 'Possums — Corn Huskings — Old Conch 
Shell. 

When one has passed the meridian mile-post on 
his Hfe's journey he Hves in the past rather than in the 
present or future. He dehghts more in memories 
than in anticipations, and the recollections which come 
to him from the remotest past yield the greatest 
pleasure. We love to dwell upon the incidents of 
childhood, to recall the love and tenderness of fond 
and devoted parents, to think of Santa Claus, when 
we considered him the real, genuine giver of every 
good and of every perfect gift. But these early recol- 
lections, however pleasant, are of little interest to the 
public, and hence few will be referred to in these 
pages. 

2 9 



lO A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

My fourth great-grandfather emigrated to this coun- 
try in 1655 and settled in Virginia, and engaged in 
the cultivation of a large landed estate. My father 
removed from Virginia and first located at the Falls 
of the Ohio, now Louisville, but in a short time re- 
moved to Barren County, thence to Livingston County, 
near the mouth of the Cumberland River, where I was 
born, February 7, 1827. 

The year of our Lord 1827, in which I came "into 
this breathing world," is a memorable one in the history 
of our country. It was in that year the first railroad 
iron was laid in the United States, and from that date 
to the present time there has been an average of 
about two thousand miles of road constructed annu- 
ally. Then the distance separating the two oceans 
was so ereat that there was no intercourse between 
the people of the East and the sparse settlements in 
the West. Now a trip from the Atlantic to the Pacific 
is performed in less than six days. 

When six years old my father placed me in school. 
The distance of this institution of learning- from our 
house was about two and a half miles, and to reach 
it in time I had to rise and partake of an early break- 
fast. This school-house was a model in its way, — 
one story high, built up with unhewn logs, and covered 
by ordinary clapboards, held in place by logs or poles 
placed on their upper surfaces. The spaces between 
the logs were plastered with black mud. We are told 
that in the building of King Solomon's temple the 
sound of the hammer was not heard. Neither was 
it when my first school-house was erected, for there 
were no nails used in its construction. The only 




KENTUCKY COUNTRY SCHOOL-HOUSB, 

FIFTY YEARS AGO. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. II 

window in the building was made by leaving out the 
greater part of one log, about four feet above the 
floor. Into this opening a rude, rough frame was 
fitted, and over this was fastened oiled paper. The 
floor was made of puncheons, — logs split in half, the 
level surfaces of which were made as smooth as they 
could be with an axe. The seats were made of the 
same material, and were held up by four pins driven 
into auger-holes bored in the bark or round surface. 
These benches were simply instruments of torture. 
When seated the feet could not reach the floor, and 
in this position the children had to sit from " early 
morn till dewy eve," with only an intermission of one 
hour for dinner. Under the window was a sloping 
shelf, at which the writing scholars were permitted to 
sit. Well can I remember how envious I was of them, 
and how anxious I was to advance so that I could sit 
near that window. After passing through the primer, 
I was advanced to Noah Webster's spelling-book ; 
and when I could read the stories of the rude boy in 
the apple-tree and the foolish girl who counted her 
chickens before they were hatched, I was about as 
happy as education ever makes one. By the way, 
these two stories, embracing morality and philosophy, 
and which have been impressed on so many minds, 
should not be omitted from our present spelling- 
books. 

Our school-house was situated in a rough, ugly spot, 
around which there were no houses, neither was it 
enclosed. I suppose it was located just there to be 
convenient to a fine spring of pure, cold water, and to 
be so far removed from other habitations that the boys 



12 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

could not be troublesome to their neighbors. The 
teacher was an Irishman by the name of Haley, 
thoroughly educated and one of the best teachers I 
ever knew, although he had his faults. Sometimes it 
seemed necessary for him to take a spree, though he 
never indulged his desire for liquor while he was con- 
ducting his school. But sometimes he would feel a 
spree necessary, and would notify the scholars that 
there would be no more school until he sent them 
word. i\t the close of the day, coolly and dignifiedly 
he would dismiss the children and then deliberately 
go to work to get thoroughly drunk. He would con- 
tinue this spree for a week or more, then send around 
word that on a certain day school would be resumed. 
During study hours no two boys could be out at the 
same time. This rule, which was never to be violated, 
however pressing the necessity, was enforced in this 
way : the door to the school-house was kept closed by 
a large wooden pin, which fitted into an auger-hole 
bored obliquely into one of the logs, against which 
the door closed. When one of the scholars passed 
out he had to take the pin with him, or her, and until 
the same was returned to its proper place no one else 
could think of crossing the threshold of that institu- 
tion of learning. At that time there was not a public 
school at every cross-road, where an education could 
be obtained without money and without price ; but we 
had to pay tuition and all other expenses. 

For several years I was a student under Mr. Haley, 
and finally mastered enough of the arts and sciences 
to be promoted to the writing-class and transferred to 
a seat at the window. My cup of happiness was full 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 1 3 

when I began to make my " pot-hooks and hangers." 
Of all the children who were associated with me at 
that school, how few there are left ! Nearly all passed 
away before they grew up to mature man- and woman- 
hood. In fact, I cannot recall a single one at this 
time whose head is above the sod. 

Saturday afternoon was always occupied in making 
the necessary preparations for the keeping of the 
Sabbath as a holy day. Every one about our home 
was taught to " remember the Sabbath day, to keep it 
holy. Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work ; 
but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy 
God : in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy 
son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid- 
servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within 
thy gates ; for in six days the Lord made heaven and 
earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the 
seventh day : wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath 
day and hallowed it." 

The children were taught to lisp this commandment 
as soon after they left the cradle as possible, and to 
practise it at once. I do not remember ever to have 
seen any warm food, except coffee or tea, on my 
father's table on the Sabbath day, nor do I recall that 
I ever heard the sound of the axe, hammer, or saw. 
After rising" on Sabbath mornino-, the first thine in 
order was the usual Scripture reading and prayers. 
Then a little time was devoted to the catechism, then 
breakfast, followed by catechism and Bible reading ; 
more catechism and more Bible until church time. 
Dinner was served on our return from church, after 
which we had to teach the negroes what we had 



H 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



learned during the forenoon. Then we had tea, and 
closed up the day with a little more catechism, followed 
by evening- prayers. I remember hearing my father 
say that " this preparation is necessary in order to fit 
us for the enjoyment of the eternal Sabbath of heaven." 
And I can well remember that the old Adam that was 
in me, even at that tender age, prompted me to think 
in my own heart, if heaven is like this, " I do not want 
any of it in mine." 

Things have changed since then. We seem to have 
gone to the other extreme. Many parents leave all 
religious instruction of their children to the teachers 
in the Sabbath-schools, and the catechism is neglected. 
While we have made grand strides in almost all direc- 
tions, in some we have retrograded, and in none so 
much as relio-ious instruction to our children. 

It is curious how customs have changed in fifty 
years. When a boy it was a very unusual thing to 
see a man with beard on his face. On one occasion 
a gentleman called at our house and was admitted by 
the servant-o^irl. When she returned to the kitchen I 
asked her who it was, and she said, " Dun know ; some 
fellow with old dog mouf " I was very anxious to see 
a man with a mouth like a dog, and rushed into the 
house to find a man with a moustache, and he was the 
first one I had ever seen with beard on his face. My 
father was in the habit of shavintr himself three times 
a week, and I always noticed that he was invariably 
cross after completing his tonsorial duties. I could 
not account for this idiosyncrasy; but when I grew to 
be a man the secret became known — his razor must 
have been dull. 



IN PEA CE AND WAR. I 5 

Several years since I visited Kentucky and brought 
back with me an old conch shell, which has been in the 
family for more than fifty years. It was purchased in 
the South in the year 1832, by a brother, just before 
stepping on board of the " Helen McGregor," to engage 
passage to his home. Having made the purchase, he 
passed along the gang-plank and up the stairway to 
the office, where he registered his name, secured his 
berth, and then engaged in conversation with an ac- 
quaintance, who suddenly interrupted him with the 
remark, " Doctor, I smell burning steam, and I feel 
sure that there will be an explosion of the boiler ver}' 
soon ; let us go back to the ladies' cabin." The words 
were scarcely uttered before the explosion occurred, 
carrying the doctor up some distance and landing him 
in the river, surrounded by pieces of the wreck, the 
dead, and dying. My brother was soon picked up, 
burnt, bruised, and bleeding, holding the shell in his 
hand. His injuries proved to be but slight, and he 
was soon on his way home. The tip of the shell was 
cut off, and it was used as a horn to call the negroes 
from the field to their daily meals. On Saturdays 
there was no school, and the boys were required to do 
such light work about the farm as they could, and 
how well I can remember the welcome sound of that 
old conch when it called me, dusty and tired, from 
labor to refreshment. 

I have heard the dulcet strains of Ole Bull's violin. 
I have heard some of the most highly cultivated human 
voices, which seemed for the time to lift me above the 
earth, and transport me to another world where all 
was harmony ; yet none of these were near so sweet 



1 6 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

as the sound of that old shell when it called me to 
dinner and repose. When a boy I have often placed 
it to my ear to hear the roaring sound within, which 
the negroes said was the roar of the sea. The same 
sound is still heard in its innermost cells, but it is not 
the roar of the sea I hear now, but a solemn requiem 
in memory of the dear ones who have long since 
passed away, and upon some of whom rests the grave- 
dust of more than forty years. 

In fact, nearly all of those who heard it a half-cen- 
tury ago have passed through the dark, dim waters 
of death, and now as I look upon the dear old shell 
how many memories it brings up from the fountains 
of the past. It was handled by my father and mother, 
played with by my brothers, and idolized by a long 
list and line of faithful slaves. 

If it could speak in notes to be understood, how 
many tales it could tell of happy faces, occasionally 
saddened as one by one have fallen out of the ranks, 
leaving vacancies never to be filled. A few more 
years, at most, and the youngest member of that large 
family will necessarily fall by the wayside, and the 
grand old conch will descend to the members of 
another generation, who will prize it for the many 
pleasant and dear memories that cluster around it. It 
called the tired and careworn slave to his meals up to 
the very day upon which the emancipation proclama- 
tion was issued, and while its voice is as clear and dis- 
tinct as ever, it has ceased to call slaves to dinner. 
The country is free, and this venerable old shell, having 
performed its duty long and faithfully, has been pro- 
moted to a place of honor in my household, and re- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



17 



tired from active service to pass with me a life of quiet 
and repose. 

My parents died in 1837. I lived with a brother 
until his death, and then with a brother-in-law. The 
latter required me to work on the farm during the 
summer months and go to school in the winter months. 

While on the farm I became a fine shot with the 
rifle for one of my age, and could " bring down" a 
squirrel from the tallest tree, rarely ever missing my 
aim. 

Often at night I would go out hunting with some of 
the neeroes, and we never failed to brino- in a 'coon or 
a 'possum. The latter we could always find in some 
of the persimmon-trees around the farm ; then branch- 
ing out into the adjacent timber, the dogs were sure 
to tree a 'coon. Often I have climbed up a tall tree 
and shaken one off some small limb where it telt 
secure, and when the "varmint" reached the ground 
the dogs and the negroes would secure it. I have 
never seen a Kentuckian who was not fond of 'possum, 
cooked just as our old cooks knew so well how to 
prepare them. There are some things that no white 
cook, male or female, can do, and one of these is to 
cook a 'possum properly. For this kind of culinary 
perfection we must ever look to the colored race. 

Corn huskings or, as they are called in Kentucky, 
corn shuckings, were pleasant little episodes in the 
lives of boys and of negroes. Farmers would haul 
their corn in and store it against their corn-cribs, and 
then notice would be sent out that on a certain night 
there would be a " corn shucking." At an early hour 
there would be a large concourse of people on hand. 



l8 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

Whiskey would be passed around, and the negroes 
would beofin their favorite corn sono-s. When well 
warmed up, two captains would be selected, the corn 
pile divided by a pole or rope, the captains would 
choose alternately until all the people were divided 
into two equal parts, then the contest would begin as 
to which party would get through first. The victorious 
side would then select some of their stronorest men to 
hoist their captain upon their shoulders and bear him 
around as the hero of the hour. When the work was 
done, all hands were called to a good supper, and 
when all were supplied an adjournment was had to 
the yard, where dancing, speech-making, and singing 
were indulged in until the short hours. Then all 
hands would leave for their homes, and as they radi- 
ated from the place by the various neighborhood roads, 
each singing a different song and yet all apparently in 
harmony, one would naturally believe that they were 
the happiest people on the face of the earth. 

This life did not suit me, and I left to reside with 
my brother. Dr. John M, Johnson, who secured for 
me an appointment as cadet at the United States 
Military Academy. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. ig 



CHAPTER II. 

Appointed Cadet — Arrival at West Point Hotel — General Scott — 
Cadet R. B. Ayers — Lieutenants Clarke and Reynolds — Mon- 
otonous Life of a Cadet — Speaking Disrespectfully of the Presi- 
dent of the United States — In the Guard-House — Cadet W. L. 
Crittenden — Police Duties — Book-keepers, Clerks, and Salaried 
Men — Attachments between Classmates — Other Attachments — 
Marriages — Frontier Duties — Absent from Tattoo — Acting Ser- 
geant-Major — Color-Bearer — Cadet Lieutenant S. V. Benet — 
Graduation — The Professors. 

In the month of March, 1844, I received my ap- 
pointment to West Point, through the kindness of 
Hon. WilHs Green, at that time a member of Congress 
from the Second Congressional District of Kentucky, 
in which I resided. 

I was instructed to report myself at the Academy 
between the ist and 20th of June following. 

I arrived on the i8th, and proceeded to the hotel, 
intending to remain there for a few days before re- 
porting ; but I was soon recognized as a candidate 
for admission, and hurried off to report to the adju- 
tant of the Academy. 

Timothy O'Maher, who had for more than fifty 
years filled the position of chief clerk, was charged 
with receiving the new cadets, and he thoroughly 
understood how " to hold a fellow up" and deprive 
him of all his loose change. He did this service for 
pie speedily but very completely, and I was despatched 
to the cadet barracks to report to some one else. 



20 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

Before night I had been furnished with a complete 
outfit for juvenile military house-keeping. 

Having resided all my life in the interior of the 
country, I had never seen a soldier. On my way to 
the Point I learned that General Winfield Scott was 
on a visit to the Academy, and I longed to see the old 
war-worn veteran. As I ascended the hill from the 
steamboat landing, the band was playing on the plain. 
The drum-major, with his party-colored trousers, bear- 
skin cap, and huge baton with a brass ball on one end, 
was the most conspicuous person I saw, and at once 
I supposed that my eyes rested upon the hero of 
Lundy's Lane. 

Gazing, as I thought, upon the greatest living war- 
rior, I was carried away with his gaudy uniform and 
equipments, and at that very moment I would have 
given all my earthly possessions for the rightful privi- 
lege of encasing myself within its gorgeous folds. 
However, it did not take long to learn that the great 
man I had taken for General Scott was Drum-Major 
Boussey, and that Scott would never permit himself 
to appear in public in the habiliments of a drum-major. 

On the morning following my arrival in the cadet 
barracks, all of the plebes were turned out for drill 
and divided up into small squads, and turned over to 
instructors taken from the class just merging from 
plebeship. I fell to the lot of Cadet R. B. Ayers, 
subsequently the gallant and distinguished General 
Ayers, now colonel of the Second Regiment of 
Artillery. I was an awkward boy, and Ayers seemed 
to me to be unnecessarily cross and severe, so when 
the squad was dismissed I retired to my quarters 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 2 1 

considerably disgusted with my brief experience in 
the Art of War. 

I suppose there never was a cadet who did not at 
some time during his course resolve on whipping some 
one when he graduated. I had three names on my 
black-list, and Ayers was the first one thereon because 
he was the first offender. Lieutenant F. N. Clarke 
and Lieutenant J. J. Reynolds were the second and 
third in the order named. I imasfined that the two 
last were prejudiced against me, and that if there was 
the sliohtest cause for it either would have me de- 
Glared deficient. Of course this state of things ex- 
isted only in my own imagination, yet it tended to spur 
me up to unusual activity in their respective depart- 
ments. But when I changed the " gray for the blue" 
I buried all of my West Point prejudices under the 
accumulated rubbish which I left behind me. 

I never met Clarke after I left the Academy. He 
did good service during the war in the Army of the 
Potomac, and died August 13, 1866. I had the pleas- 
ure of serving in the same army with Reynolds, and I 
found him a good officer and a clever gentleman. 

The life of a cadet is one of extreme monotony, 
and the history of one day is the history of every day 
in the year, and the history of one year is the history 
of all passed at the Academy. 

As soon as the plebes had been examined an order 
was issued to go into camp. Trunks and all other 
personal property were stored away in the academic 
buildings, and the corps was placed upon a light war 
footing. The plebes were formed in line according 
to height and divided equally among the four com- 



2 2 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

panics ; the tallest were assigned to A and D com- 
panies and the others to B and C companies. At 
first I was attached to Company A, but was subse- 
quently assigned to Compan}^ D. While in Company 
A, on one hot afternoon, I was lying down in my 
tent and the sentinel with measured tread walked his 
post near me. Stopping for a moment, he said, 
" Plebe, what do you think of the President of the 
United States ?" 

Tyler was at that time in the executive chair, having 
succeeded to it by the death of Harrison, and had 
abandoned the Whig party, which had elected him 
Vice-President, and was held up as a traitor and turn- 
coat by every Whig in the land. My family from the 
organization of that party had belonged to it, and so 
I was bitterly opposed to him. I replied, " I regard 
him as a rascal and traitor to his party." " What !" 
said the sentinel, " do you speak disrespectfully of the 
President of the United States, in open, flagrant vio- 
lation of the Articles of War?" Before giving me 
any time to explain, he called for the corporal of the 
guard. The call was answered, my offence reported, 
and I was marched off to the guard-tent. The name 
of the sentinel was Harris, and he was from the State 
of Missouri. There was an inward feelino- of olad- 

o o 

ness when I learned that he had been found deficient 
in his studies and was only awaiting the pleasure of 
the War Department in his case. Soon he was sent 
home, and I have never heard of him since. 

Well, I was in the guard-house, — the jail, the cul- 
prit's abiding-place. Thoughts of home and dear 
friends who took a kindly interest in me, and whose 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 23 

good-will I desired to merit, flitted across my brain. 
Oh, if they should hear of my disgrace they will never 
be able to hold up their heads again. I was assigned 
a place in the guard-tent, and every time any one 
passed I imagined that they were anxious to see the 
criminal. 

About sundown the cry was given, "Turn out the 
guard for the officer of the day !" Out went the 
guard ; the prisoners were hastened into line. The 
officer of the day. Cadet Lieutenant W. L. Critten- 
den, a nephew of Hon. John J. Crittenden, of Ken- 
tucky, recognizing me among the prisoners, asked me 
why I was there. I told him all the circumstances, and 
he remarked, " Go back to your camp ; your offence 
is not very great, and if it is I am chargeable with it 
also, for I believe there is not a more consummate 
rascal on earth than one who betrays his party and 
his friends." I felt better, but I was always on guard 
as to the expression of my opinions with reference to 
the Chief Magistrate of this great nation. 

Crittenden was always my friend. Poor fellow, he 
was shot for his participation in the Lopez invasion of 
Cuba. When he was led out for execution he was 
told to kneel down. " No," replied the brave man ; 
"an American kneels only to his God." The fatal 
shot was fired, and the spirit of a noble man ascended 
to his God. 

The camp having been regularly established, a 
proper regard for cleanliness required the adoption 
of certain police regulations. The custom had been, 
previous to my admission, to require the plebes to do 
all such menial service; accordingly, in each company, 



24 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



at certain hours of the day, they were paraded on 
their company grounds, marched to the cadet quarter- 
master's tent, where spades, shovels, and wheelbar- 
rows were provided, and with these they were 
marched around the company grounds and required 
to pick up pieces of paper, stumps of cigars, old to- 
bacco quids, and such other filth, trash, and litter as 
could be discovered by the keen eye of the corporal 
of police. I can well remember the feeling of morti- 
fication and humiliation that came over me when this 
distasteful duty was first imposed upon me. Looking 
back now I can see the necessity of just such training. 
It was to teach obedience to all orders, the first lesson 
that all must learn before they can properly exercise 
command. Another very important lesson was to 
teach cleanliness in camp ; the only means, at least the 
most efficient, by which the health of troops is pre- 
served. It was, however, terribly humiliating at the 
time, and I felt that I had been misled in regard to the 
high character of the Academy, and tried by all means 
in my power to get my guardian's consent to allow 
me to resign. He would not pay any attention to my 
requests, and I reluctantly remained to endure the 
mortification and shame which came to me when 
called out on police duty. At the close of a year a 
new class relieved us from scavenger duty, and when I 
saw others engaged in the same occupation it did not 
seem near so degrading. Young people are apt to 
look upon all manual labor as degrading. This is a 
sad mistake, and results in filling our cities with young 
men who seek to live by other means by crowding 
into the professions, for which they are not fitted, and 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



25 



where they manage to make a bare living. These 
same men, if they would turn their attention to some 
honorable labor, would not only prosper, but live 
happy and contented lives. Commercial colleges 
throughout the land are flooding the country with 
book-keepers and clerks, few of whom ever rise above 
salaried positions. 

Notwithstanding the general monotony of cadet 
life, there are many interesting circumstances and 
incidents which serve to relieve it, and in after-life one 
recalls the days passed at West Point as among the 
most pleasant of his life. Attachments between class- 
mates are formed there which never fade and die ; on 
the contrary, they grow with our growth and strengthen 
with our strength. 

There are other attachments of quite a different 
nature formed in the many quiet and secluded nooks 
and corners adjacent to " Flirtation Walk." When 
flowers bud and bloom, and all nature seems to rejoice 
in its own loveliness, appears to be the time for love- 
making. 

It is at this season of the year that the young 
delight to separate in pairs and walk out to hear the 
birds sing and to enjoy the cool and invigorating 
breezes which never fan the cheek in the presence of 
the "old folks." And when a man, filled with the new 
wine of youth, is thrown with a young, handsome, 
sprightly girl, what subject has more interest to them 
than that of love ? Around that lovely walk many a 
young fellow has poured into the willing ears of beauty 
protestations of undying love. On that same walk 
many youthful maidens, with their breasts heaving with 

3 



26 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

emotions they could not suppress, and with their voices 
tremulous with excitement, have said "yes," when "no" 
would have been far better for their future comfort 
and happiness. This little word yes has filled the 
heart of many a man with joy unspeakable, when it 
passed the ruby lips of her he loved. Time passes 
on and graduation day comes, when the marriage is to 
take place, for be it remembered that cadets are pro- 
hibited from having " dogs or wives," and so after 
graduation these promises are to be fulfilled. The 
expectant bride delays for a few months. In fact, how 
few women are ever ready ! All want time, it matters 
not how long they have been engaged. About the 
time autumnal leaves begin to fall the wedding-day is 
settled upon, and if you would watch the couple you 
would see that they seem to think that their engage- 
ment is the only one ever entered into ; that they are 
the only ones ever married ; forgetting that in the days 
of Noah they did eat, they drank, they married wives, 
they were given in marriage. Engagements and 
marriaees will be continued as lonof as the world is 
stocked with men and women. No two or more 
persons can get up a corner in this business. At last 
the appointed time arrives, friends are invited, the 
preacher takes his position, the bridal party enters the 
church or parlor, and then and there the young lieu- 
tenant proceeds to endow his youthful bride with all 
his worldly goods, which in many cases consists of a 
new trunk, hair-brush, and a few brass buttons, and 
nothing more. A bridal tour is dispensed with for the 
reason that the services of the lieutenant are required 
with his company, and he must needs join the regi- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



27 



ment at some remote frontier station. By rail, river, 
stage, ambulance, or wagon the young wife is taken 
to some out-of-the-way place, and then she begins to 
realize some of the hardships and privations incident 
to army life on the frontier. Would it be strange if 
she should soon begin to yearn for the comforts of 
that pleasant home she left behind her? It is now 
too late to make a change ; she must share the fortunes 
of the young man who won her affections somewhere 
on " Flirtation Walk." 

During my entire cadetship I did not speak to a fe- 
male, — something I suppose no other graduate can say, 
— and hence no woman has any cause to regret a hasty 
and inconsiderate promise made to me in any of the 
many love-making nooks in or about that historic place. 

The ladies of a garrison, when agreeable, make 
frontier life endurable, and do much to restrain young 
men and keep them from falling into bad habits. 
There is something ennobling and elevating in the 
society of refined women which is seen and felt by all 
who come in contact with them. No garrison is com- 
plete without ladies, and there should be a number at 
every military post. 

During my plebe encampment the duties imposed 
on me were so heavy and unusual that when darkness 
came on I was ready to retire for the night. On one 
occasion I fell asleep and did not hear tattoo, so I was 
reported absent. In making my excuse to Captain 
J. A. Thomas, who was then commandant of cadets, 
I found that he was not disposed to view my offence 
with much leniency. I promised him faithfully that if 
he would pardon me for that one offence I would 



2 8 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

never be guilty of it again, " What assurance have I 
that you will keep your promise?" queried he. I re- 
plied, "The honor of a gentleman, sir." "That, sir, is 
sufficient ; I shall remove the report," replied Captain 
Thomas ; and I can say truthfully that I complied with 
my promise. From that day to this I have never missed 
tattoo roll-call when duty required me to attend. 

During my third-class year my military bearing and 
soldierly qualities were not recognized, — at least I was 
not appointed a corporal, — but on my entrance into the 
second class I was promoted to the grade of sergeant. 
As I did not go home on furlough, I was detailed to 
act as sergeant-major during the encampment ; and 
when the class returned, and we struck camp and went 
into the barracks, I joined my proper company, D, and 
was designated color-bearer, which gave me some 
privileges and exempted me from certain duties. 
When I became a member of the first class I was 
appointed a lieutenant in Company A, and was subse- 
quently promoted to be captain of the same company. 

I have during my active service had some important 
commands, but these cadet appointments elevated me 
more in my own estimation than any rank I ever held 
or exercised. I really felt that a greater responsibility 
rested upon me than when, during the war, I com- 
manded a division of veteran soldiers. 

Scarcely a graduate ever escapes without having 
some nickname applied to him, and these names are 
gained, sometimes, by the most trivial circumstances. 
I was not an exception. When acting sergeant-major. 
Cadet E. B. Bryan was adjutant. I was of course sub- 
ordinate to him, and he was in the habit of calling me 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



29 



subaltern, which was in time abbreviated and I was 
called Sub. Johnson, and better known by that cogno- 
men among my classmates and friends than by my 
proper name. Even now, whenever I meet a classmate 
he is sure to greet me with " Hello, here's Sub. John- 
son !" 

Bryan was one of the handsomest men I ever saw. 
Soon after graduating he resigned and located in 
Charleston, South Carolina, as an architect and sur- 
veyor. Subsequently I heard of him as a planter on 
St. John's Island, where I believe he died. 

On entering the first class I was greatly rejoiced, 
for it was nearing the end of the course, and in 
previous years any one reaching that class was rea- 
sonably certain of graduating. But unfortunately for 
the ease and comfort of some of the " Forty-Niners," 
Professor Mahan saw proper to pronounce two or 
three cadets deficient in the class of '48, and they failed 
to be commissioned in the army. So, having a life pro- 
fession almost within our grasp, we did not feel at 
liberty to place it in jeopardy by neglecting our stud- 
ies. I am sure that I applied myself as closely to my 
books during my first-class course as I did during any 
of the previous years, for Professor Mahan was liable 
to repeat the same thing with us. I think this feeling 
was pretty generally entertained by all of the class 
below the middle, and I am sure that the last half 
of the class of 1849 knew more about civil and 
military engineering than did the same part of any 
class for ten years preceding it. 

At last the annual examination was announced, 
and we were brought up before the Academic Board 



30 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

for the last time. Having satisfactorily mastered all 
of the arts and sciences taught at that institution, the 
time had arrived for an order to be issued relieving 
us from further duty and ordering us to our homes 
to await the orders of the War Department. Forty- 
three happy fellows gathered upon the parade-ground 
on the evening of June 23, 1849. Benz sounded the 
last call that should ever assemble us together in this 
life. "Fall in!" was yelled out by the first sergeants, 
the roll was called, and the companies were marched 
to the general parade-ground in front of the super- 
intendent's quarters, where the line was formed. The 
band passed along in front playing " Auld Lang 
Syne," and then returned to its place on the right. 
The ranks were opened, and Captain B. R. Alden, 
then commandant of the corps, exercised the battal- 
ion in the manual of arms ; the first sergeants made 
their reports, and then the adjutant was directed to 
read the following order : 

Headquarters U. S. Military Academy, 
West Point, N. Y,, June 23, 1849. 
Special Orders, 

No. 87. 
Cadets Gillmore, Parke, J. G., Benet, Haines, Silvey, DuBarry, 
Perkins, Baird, Nimmo, Coggswell, Piatt, McKeever, Lewis, Kel- 
logg, J., Moore, J. C, Saxton, Wright, DeLano, McClure, Hud- 
son, Withers, Tevis, Robertson, B., Tidball, Field, Barton, Green, 
D. C., Johnson, R. W., Holabird, Williams, T. G., Washington, 
English, McArthur, Roy, Alvord, Clark, Marshall, L. H., Rey- 
nolds, and Mcintosh are relieved from duty at the Military Acad- 
emy and will repair to their homes, there to await further orders. 
By order of Captain Brewerton, 

(Sgd.) Charles T. Baker, 

Lt. and A. Adj. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 3 1 

After the order was read, the cadet officers closed 
to the centre, marched up and saluted the commander. 
Those of the first class who were -in the ranks were 
directed to " fall out," and there upon the plain we 
were turned loose to enter upon a new life. And 
what a life it has proven to many ! Sunshine and 
shadows have been our common lot, for God in his 
infinite wisdom has decreed both to every member of 
the human family. We have each had our trials, our 
triumphs, and our failures. On our journey through 
life each has had to bridge angry, swollen streams 
with sore and bleeding hands, or ford them with tired 
and wearied feet ; but through all, and over all, the 
protecting arms of the Almighty have been under and 
around us, and we have been protected from seen and 
unseen danofers. 

As a class, none had a more prominent place in the 
late war. It found us in the vieor of mature man- 
hood. All were in some way actively engaged, and 
yet, strange to say, only one, Mcintosh, fell in that 
terrible struo-ole. 

Before closing this chapter, I desire to make some 
reference to the faithful professors and their assistants, 
who labored so hard to teach us the intricate subjects 
we had to pass over in their respective departments. 
How well I remember the earnest, devoted work of 
Professors D. H. Mahan, W. H. C. Bartlett, A. E. 
Church, J. W. Bailey, W. T. Sprole, and dear old 
" Dad" Kendrick. How kind, considerate, and patient 
these professors were! How earnestly they labored 
to teach us all the dark, blind, and abstruse questions 
necessary for us to comprehend ! Then I recall R. W. 



32 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



Weir, Professor of Drawing, and chief dispenser and 
manipulator of " Venetian red and indigo," much of 
whose time was taken up in trying to make an artist 
of one young fellow who could scarcely draw a 
straight line with a right-line pen and ruler. Then I 
recall Sam Jones, John M. Jones, H. F. Clarke (Slow 
Trot), Fitz-John Porter, and a long list and line of 
other assistants. Then, too, there was W. A. Norton, 
my beau ideal of physical manhood, who lost his life 
in attempting to save others, and went down with the 
" Atlantic" in Long- Island Sound. I remember them 
all with great kindness. Some have passed over to the 
sunset shore of that mighty ocean which rolls between 
time and eternity, but this feeble tribute to their mem- 
ory I gratefully bestow. To the living I desire to 
express my thanks for their great kindness to me and 
to the members of the class of 1849. All of them 
will live in memory as long as a " Forty-Niner" sur- 
vives. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 33 



CHAPTER III. 

From West Point to New York City — A Happy Lot of Fellows 
Homeward Bound — Appointments of Class — Arrival and Service 
at Fort Snelling — Colonel G. Loomis, Mrs. C. O. Van Cleve, 
Lieutenant A. D. Nelson, and others — Boarding, Ten Dollars per 
Month — Grouse Shooting — Felix, the Dog — Study Medicine — 
The Country wants Men — Unquestioned Obedience — A. Ram- 
sey, Governor of Minnesota. 

On being relieved the class hurried off to New 
York. What a change from West Point, with its 
strict discipline, to New York, with its unlimited free- 
dom ! At last we were at liberty to go where and 
when we pleased, and there were none to make us 
afraid. We roamed at larofe over that maenificent 
city, seeing the sights and learning something of the 
immense business interests of the great metropolis. 
A few days in New York gave us a surfeit of good 
things, and we began to break up and leave for our 
respective homes. On the train which left New York 
for Cumberland, Maryland, there were quite a num- 
ber, but at various points some would leave, and when 
we reached the western end of the line only Charles 
W. Field and myself represented the class. From 
Cumberland we went by stage to Brownsville, Pennsyl- 
vania, where we embarked for Pittsburg on the "Judge 
McLean," a small packet which plied between those 
two cities. On the arrival of the boat in Pittsburg 
the steamer " Citizen" was at the wharf with steam up, 
and amid the clanging of her bell and the oft-repeated 



34 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

" All aboard for Liouisville/' we hurried our baggage 
on board, secured berths, and quiedy awaited our de- 
parture. The fires soon went out, the bell ceased to 
ring out upon the air, and we were informed that, 
owing to the necessity of making some repairs on the 
machinery, the boat would not leave until ten o'clock 
on the next day. There we remained from Friday 
until the following Tuesday evening, but our hopes 
were heightened each day by fires being kindled, 
which threw out ereat volumes of black smoke from 
the chimneys. At last the cable was cast loose, the 
stage plank drawn in, and we were afloat. Field left 
me at the mouth of the Kentucky River. I reached 
Cincinnati on the sixth day from Pittsburg. Our 
arrival was on the glorious Fourth, but on that occa- 
sion, owing to the prevalence of cholera, which was 
fearful in its ravages, there was no celebration of its 
pleasant memories. The streets were deserted, the 
business houses closed, and the stillness of death pre- 
vailed. In six or eight days I reached my home in 
Owensboro', Kentucky, having been about two weeks 
in making the trip from New York. At Cumberland 
it was evident that the stage was to be crowded. An 
old, sour-looking fellow, hoping to deter some of us 
from eoine on, so that he mioht have more room, said 
that it was dangerous to travel with him, as he had 
just recovered from a very severe attack of cholera. 
A gentleman replied that having just been discharged 
from a smallpox hospital near New York he had no 
fear of cholera. The old man, not wishing to run the 
risk of travelling with one so recently from a pest 
hospital, remained to take the stage the next day. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



35 



In 1849 the railroads in the United States, were few 
and the Hnes very short. The growth of such roads 
has been wonderful. Thirty years ago I felt sure that 
in the progress of time two things would be accom- 
plished, — the abolition of slavery and the construction 
of a railroad which would connect the Atlantic with 
the Pacific Ocean, — but I hardly expected to live to see 
the consummation of either. Both came sooner than 
I expected, and, strange enough, the destruction of one 
rendered the other possible. The abolition of slavery, 
brought about by war, produced the men with energy 
and enterprise to undertake the latter and push it to 
completion. Now the iron horse inflates his lungs on 
the Atlantic coast, and rushes wildly over prairie, 
through hills and dales, and slakes his thirst in the 
blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Passengers are 
furnished with good fare and comfortable sleeping ac- 
commodations, and the passage from ocean to ocean 
is made without any inconvenience whatever beyond 
the time consumed in making the trip. The swift, 
eager, far-soaring intelligence of man has annihilated 
time and distance, and if future generations improve 
on our own they must look to the discovery of some 
method by which the air is to be used for navigation 
as we navigate the great deeps. 

Soon after arriving at home a circus visited the 
town. Some of my friends prevailed on me to wear 
my uniform, and on being asked when the show 
would begin, and supposing that I had been mistaken 
for the clown, I returned to the hotel, where I cast 
off the uniform and clothed myself in citizen dress. 
From that day to this I do not remember to have 



36 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

ever worn uniform when it was not absolutely neces- 
sary. 

The customary leave of absence until the 30th day 
of September, following graduation, was allowed, during 
which time the graduates were assigned to corps and 
regiments, and each notified to proceed to their posts, 
so as to be there to report in person on the expiration 
of their leaves of absence. About July 15 I received 
the following order, and fixed upon September 15 as 
the date of my departure from home. 

War Department, 

July 3, 1849- 
Sir: 

You are hereby informed, that on the ist day of July, 1849, the 
President of the United States appointed you a Brevet Second 
Lieutenant in the Sixth Regiment of Infantry, in the service of the 
United States. 

You will, immediately on receipt hereof, please to communicate 
to this Department, througli the Adjutant-General's Office, your 
acceptance or non-acceptance of said appointment ; and, in case 
of accepting, you will report agreeably to General Orders, No. 38, 
herewith transmitted. 

Geo. W. Crawford, 
Secretary of War. 
BvT. 2D Lt. Richard W. Johnson, 

6th Infantry, Co. C. 
Lt.-Col. G. Loomis, Com'd'g Regt., Ft. Snelling, Iowa; Co. C 
at Ft. Snelling, Iowa. 

The following is General Order, No. 38, referred 
to in previous order : 

War Department, Adjutant-General's Office, 
Washington, July 5, 1849. 
General Orders, 

No. 38. 
Promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States, 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



Z7 



made by the President, since the publication of General Orders, 
No. 14, of March 15, 1849. 

III. The following-named cadets, graduates of the Military 
Academy, are attached to the army, with the brevet of second 
lieutenant, in conformity with the 4th section of the Act of April 
29, 181 2, to take rank from July. i, 1849. 

Brevet Second Lieutenant attached to the Corps of Engineers. 

Rank. 

1. Cadet Quincy A. Gillmore. 

Brevet Second Lieutenant attached to the Corps of Topographical 

Engineers. 

2. Cadet John G. Parke. 

Brevet Second Lieuteftant attached to the Ordnance. 

3. Cadet Stephen V. Benet. 

Brevet Second Lieutenants attached to the Dragoon Arm. 

20. Cadet Horace F. De Lano, Company C, First Dragoons. 
25. Cadet Beverly H. Robertson, Company E, Second Dragoons. 
27. Cadet Charles W. Field, Company D, Second Dragoons. 

Brevet Second Lieutenants attached to the Regiment of Mounted 

Rifiemeti. 

21. Cadet Daniel McClure, Company B. 

24. Cadet Washington C. Tevis, Company G. 

Brevet Second Lieutenants attached to the Artillery Ann. 

4. Cadet Thomas J. Haines, Company K, First Artillery. 

6. Cadet William Silvey, Company C, Third Artillery. 

7. Cadet Beekman Du Barry, Company I, First Artillery. 

8. Cadet Delevan D. Perkins, Company A, Second Artillery. 

9. Cadet Absolem Baird, Company M, Second Artillery. 
10. Cadet William A. Nimmo, Company B, Fourth Artillery. 

13. Cadet Edward R. Piatt, Company H, Third Artillery. 

14. Cadet Chauncey McKeever, Company B, First Artillery. 

16. Cadet John Kellogg, Company G, Fourth Artillery. 

17. Cadet John C. Moore, Company H, Fourth Artillery. 

18. Cadet Rufus Saxton, Jr., Company E, Third Artillery, 

22. Cadet Edward M. Hudson, Company I, Third Artillery. 



38 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



Brevet Second Lieutenants attached to the Infantry. 

11. Cadet Milton Cogswell, Company D, Fourth Infantry. 
15. Cadet William H. Lewis, Company G, Fourth Infantry. 
19. Cadet Thomas Wright, Company A, Seventh Infantry. 
23. Cadet John Withers, Company G, Fifth Infantry. 

26. Cadet Joseph L. Tidball, Company I, Fourth Infantry. 

28. Cadet Seth M. Barton, Company G, Third Infantry. 

29. Cadet Duff C. Green, Company B, Fifth Infantry. 

30. Cadet Richard W. Johnson, Company C, Sixth Infantry. 

31. Cadet Samuel B. Holabird, Company D, First Infantry. 

32. Cadet Thomas G. Williams, Company B, Second Infantry. 

33. Cadet Thornton A. Washington, Company F, Sixth Infantry. 
. 36. Cadet Thomas C. English, Company K, Fifth Infantry. 

37. Cadet Joseph H. McArthur, Company G, Second Infantry. 

2,^. Cadet James P. Roy, Company B, Eighth Infantry. 

39. Cadet Charles B. Alvord, Company D, Eighth Infantry. 

40. Cadet Darius D. Clark, Company C, Second Infantry. 

41. Cadet Louis H. Marshall, Company D, Third Infantry. 

42. Cadet Samuel H. Reynolds, Company A, First Infantry. 

43. Cadet James Mcintosh, Company F, First Infantry. 

The following-named cadets will take rank as Brevet Second 
Lieutenants from July 2, 1849. 

5. Cadet Johnson K. Duncan, Company E, Second Artillery. 

12. Cadet Edward D. Stockton, Company F, Second Artillery. 

34. Cadet John W. Frazer, Company K, Second Infantry. 

35. Cadet Alfred Cummings, Company G, Eighth Infantry. 
******** 

By order: 

(Signed) R. Jones, 

Adft.-Genl. 

Owing to low water in the Upper Mississippi I was 
delayed so that I did not reach Fort Snelling until the 
4th day of October, about nine o'clock p.m. The 
night was dark, and when I stepped from the stage 
plank the first person I met was Lieutenant-Colonel 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 39 

G. Loomis, who kindly invited me to his quarters, to 
remain until I could make permanent arrangements 
for myself. Of course his kind invitation was promptly 
accepted, and I have never ceased to be thankful to 
him for his kind hospitality and the interest he mani- 
fested in my welfare. He was a very pious man, and 
gave me much good advice. He died March 5, 1872, 
at Stratford, Connecticut, in his eighty- third year. 

Fort Snelling is one of the oldest military posts in 
the Northwest. It was established by a battalion of 
the Fifth U. S. Infantry, under the command of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel H. Leavenworth, in 18 19. At first it 
was called Fort Saint Anthony. Before its comple- 
tion Leavenworth was promoted and left to join his 
own regiment, and Colonel Josiah Snelling was as- 
signed to the command and instructed to push the 
work as rapidly as possible. General Winfield Scott 
paid the post a visit, and was so pleased with the 
energy and activity displayed by Colonel Snelling that 
he recommended to the War Department that the 
name of the post be changed to Fort Snelling in honor 
of its builder. The recommendation was approved, 
the order issued, and it has ever been known by that 
name. With the exception of only a few months, it 
has been occupied by United States troops. 

The original garrison came up the river in keel- 
boats. The country was occupied by large bands of 
hostile Indians, and the troops had to be constantly on 
the alert to avoid surprise and massacre. There were 
no settlements north or west, and those on the south 
and east were many miles away and separated from 
the fort by an immense district of country occupied 



40 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



and roamed over by numerous tribes of warlike sav- 
ages. Can any one conceive of the desolation and 
loneliness of those military pioneers? No libraries, no 
lectures, and no amusements outside of themselves. 
It was not for five years after the establishment of this 
post that the placid waters of the Mississippi were 
disturbed by paddle-wheels propelled by steam, and 
then only one boat a year to bring up supplies for the 
garrison. The post is located on a bluff, so that two 
sides are inaccessible to a savage enemy. The other 
sides were closed in by high stone walls, with loop- 
holes for defence. These old walls, being no longer 
required, have been torn down, thus throwing open 
the entire west front and increasing the comfort and 
improving the appearance very much. Of the original 
number who came up on the keel-boats none probably 
survive, except Mrs. Charlotte O. Van Cleve, the wife 
of General H. P. Van Cleve, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 
She was a mere child when her parents brought her 
up in 1 819. Her memory of the early settlement of 
this part of the country is very vivid, and with her 
ready pen she has done much to hand down to history 
accounts of the stirring events of a bygone age. 
Although well advanced in years, she appears to be 
as active mentally and physically as she was twenty 
years ago. Mrs. Van Cleve takes a deep interest in 
our Indian affairs, and has expended her best efforts 
in ameliorating their condition. The poor, without 
regard to age, sex, or nationality, are always sure of 
her sympathy and support in their trials and troubles, 
and to her they appeal as to a mother. The North- 
west has not produced a more noble woman, and her 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



41 



name deserves to be remembered by all who admire 
nobility of character and disinterested friendship for 
the weak and for the poor down-trodden of all races 
and conditions of men and women. 

At this time there were stationed at the post Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Loomis, Brevet Major Samuel Woods, 
Captain James Monroe, Brevet Captain R. W. Kirk- 
ham, Lieutenants J. W. T. Gardiner, Castor, Wetmore, 
Nelson, Surgeon A. N. McLaren, and Chaplain E. G. 
Gear. Of these, Monroe, Kirkham, Wetmore, McLaren, 
and Gear were married, and with the addition of the 
families of Henry H. Sibley, of the American Fur Com- 
pany, and Franklin Steele, the post sutler, constituted 
the society of the garrison. Some of the most pleasant 
evening entertainments I ever remember to have at- 
tended I enjoyed during the winter of 1849-50. Of 
these, Loomis, Gardiner, Castor, Wetmore, McLaren 
and wife, and Monroe and wife, Franklin Steele and 
wife, and Rev. E. G. Gear, and A. D. Nelson have 
passed away, leaving behind them as a legacy to their 
friends sweet memories of their many noble, generous 
traits of character, which endeared them to all who 
were fortunate enough to enjoy their acquaintance and 
partake of their hospitality. Woods is still in the 
army and lives in Oakland, California, where he has 
amassed a large property. Kirkham made a fortune 
in California, resigned from the army, and now lives a 
life of ease and comfort near his old friend Woods. 

In the fall of 1849, Nelson was a second lieutenant, 
notwithstanding he had passed through the Florida 
and Mexican wars. Promotion in those days was 
slow ; officers rarely ever died, and few ever felt that 

4 



42 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

the service could spare them, and hence none resigned. 
When the officers assembled together the subject of 
conversation was generally the incidents of the Mexi- 
can war ; the same having just terminated, the events 
were fresh in their memories. I had not participated 
in the Mexican campaigns, being, during their contin- 
uance, at West Point ; and it was a source of deep 
reo-ret to me to know that I was not born soon enougrh 
to take part in that war, but a time came when I had 
all the experience I desired on the tented field. 

Under Nelson's quarters a man and his wife resided 
and furnished him with table board. She was au fait 
in her department, and made her husband serve at the 
table with all the elegance of the professional caterer. 

After a pleasant, but brief, period Nelson was or- 
dered to St. Louis and I was left alone. The cook 
then informed me that, as she would have only one 
boarder, it would be necessary to raise her charges 
somewhat. As the pay of a second lieutenant was 
only sixty-five dollars per month, I was fearful that she 
would take it all ; but on learning that she desired to 
raise the monthly bill to ten dollars, I felt very gready 
relieved. Think of this, you modern boarding-house 
keepers : ten dollars a month for most excellent table 
board, and money made even at that price. 

Among the assets left by Nelson were two splen- 
didly-broken pointer dogs ; but I had no gun, and as 
navigation was closed for the season, could not have 
one brought up from St. Louis. It would have been 
something unheard of for a young officer not to be a 
reasonably good shot, so I determined on taking 
lessons with an old government musket. Loading 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 43 

one with a handful of shot, I started out on foot fol- 
lowed by the dogs, who seemed delighted to know 
that they were in the keeping of one who was fond of 
shooting. After getting beyond the garrison away 
they bounded, and I followed as rapidly as possible. 
A walk of three miles brought me near Minnehaha 
Falls. The dogs came to a dead point. Cocking the 
gun I bid them "hie on," when two birds arose, flying 
about eight feet apart. I fired at one and killed the 
other, and from that day to this I have never pulled a 
trigger on a prairie chicken. These trusty, faithful 
dogs have long since departed for other hunting 
grounds, and if there is another existence for them I 
hope they have found better marksmen than I have 
ever been. I have often heard some miserable selfish 
man spoken of as " mean as a dog." Now, this is 
great injustice to the canine race. I have never 
known a mean dog. They are man's best friend, and 
when all others forsake him the doe is steadfast in his 
affection and devotion. When both are wearied, man 
will lie down to sleep while the faithful dog stands 
sentinel over him to protect him from harm. 

A friend of mine who was always followed by a 
black-and-tan terrier -was expostulated with by a lady, 
who said, " It is strange that a man of your good sense 
should allow a dog to follow you all the time." " Well, 
madam," he replied, " you would follow the dog ; the 
leading mind always goes ahead." When the late war 
was sprung upon the country I owned a large New- 
foundland dog, which bore the name of Felix. He ac- 
companied me on many of my marches and campaigns, 
and never deserted his master. At night Felix re- 



44 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

mained close to my tent and was always on the alert. 
He lived his allotted time, and passed peacefully and 
quietly away. He was only a dog, but he was my 
friend, and a more steadfast one I never had. 

The city of St. Paul, now with a population of over 
one hundred thousand, had then less than four hun- 
dred. Then we had a weekly mail, though not at all 
regular. Bad roads and weak ice caused many fail- 
ures. During the winter of 1849 ^ period of five 
weeks passed without news from the States. Thus we 
were left to rust or eke out a lonely existence, ignorant 
of what was transpiring in the world at large. In the 
garrison there were no young officers with whom to 
associate, and no books to occupy my time, so I 
resolved on the study of medicine. Dr. McLaren 
seconded my resolution with great earnestness and 
furnished me with every facility. I applied myself 
closely, and on every Saturday night he would come to 
my room and examine me on what I had read during 
the week. Before I left the post he insisted upon my 
o-oine before the Army Medical Board with a view to 
entering the medical department. This I declined to 
do, for I did not have that confidence in my own pro- 
ficiency which he seemed to have. But on various oc- 
casions I found the knowledge I acquired to be of 
great service. There is a young fellow in Texas, now 
about twenty-six years old, who bears the name of 
Richard Johnson Roach, as a compliment to my pro- 
fessional "skill and ability." 

At this time there is not a military post in the United 
States as difficult of access as Fort Snelling was in 
1849, so young officers can get books to read and thus 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



45 



improve their minds and keep diemselves advised in 
regard to the important events transpiring throughout 
the civilized world. I desire to say now that the 
young officer who reads the most, thinks the most, 
and obeys orders most promptly is the one who comes 
to the front when necessity calls for men. And when 
I speak of men, I refer to them as clearly and broadly 
distinguished from the paltry counterfeits, the petty 
shuttlecocks, the supple-kneed sycophants, the pert 
and pretentious coxcombs, the human nonentities, who 
are but drones in this great world-hive of ours, I 
mean men of iron mould and dauntless purpose, who 
grasp not after baubles, who bow not at the venal 
shrine of a false and prostituted "public opinion," — 
men whose souls are not intoxicated by shallow 
draughts from the beaker of success, and who do not 
shrivel in the first heats of disappointment, — men 
whose spirits rise as adversities thicken, acquire fresh 
courage and sterner resolve with each succeeding 
failure, confront new perils and difficulties, new foes 
and trials, with unquailing front, — men who gather to 
their hearts more of the light and essence of heaven 
as the world o-lowers and g-looms around them. The 
aofe has had enough of tinsel, is sick of a surfeitino- 
overdose of spurious heroes and wretched charlatans, 
and the pure gold, the refined gold, the gold without 
discount or alloy, must ring in the manhood of him 
who seeks and yearns to fulfil its mighty requisitions 
now. Action, — fearless, unselfish, discriminating action, 
— which spurns the shackles of a gross conventionality 
and scorns to follow in the same dead, dreary, beaten 
track, in whose dust and glare gainless millions have 



46 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

grovelled wearily on before, must be the test of this 
golden purity, the standard of this high manhood's 
trial. How many of the young men in the army or 
in civil life are destined to make their marks in this 
world, or to leave behind them the record of useful 
lives with no shame to remember, no wish to foro"et ? 
Think of this, young men, and let your aim be high. 
Proficiency in the " german" or at whist, fondness for 
music and the frivolities of fashionable life, will not 
qualify you for position when men such as I have 
described are called for. There may be mountains 
in your pathway, but you will discover that with no 
more certainty do the recurrent waves wear away by 
ceaseless buffeting-s and Qrradual encroachments the 
granite of their rocky shores than do persistent effort 
and unswerving perseverance, when sustained by 
calmness, probity, and intelligence, wear away the 
rough places in life. 

There is no genius like the genius of labor. There 
is no reward like that which comes from energy, sys- 
tem, and perseverance. 

Unquestioned obedience to all orders, coming from 
proper sources, is not only the duty of every officer, 
of whatever rank, but absolutely essential to the main- 
tenance of discipline, without which the army would 
be a mob with no recognized leader, and upon which 
no reliance could be placed when great results are to 
be accomplished. The best-disciplined troops do the 
most efficient service, not only on the battle-field, but 
on the march and in the garrison. 

The Congress of 1848-49 organized a territorial 
government for this section of the country, and on the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



47 



inauguration of Zachary Taylor it became his duty to 
appoint a governor and other territorial officers. The 
position of governor was tendered to Alexander 
Ramsey, of Pennsylvania, and accepted on the 2d day 
of April, 1849, and o'^ the 27th day of the same month 
he arrived at the scene of his official duties, and a few 
days subsequently he issued a proclamation declaring 
the Territory organized and the courts opened for the 
adjudication of such cases as might be brought be- 
fore them. Governor Ramsey was married in 1845 to 
Miss Anna E. Jenks, and she accompanied him to this, 
then, wild and unknown country. She was a noble 
woman, a fit companion of a worthy man. Governor 
Ramsey has held many positions of honor and trust, 
and has always acquitted himself with credit. He 
was one of the best senators the State ever had. As 
a senator no one exercised more influence, and his 
personal popularity was so great that any measure he 
advocated was always sure to be carried out. 

At this time he is in private life, honored and re- 
spected by all who know him. His early investments 
have made him wealthy, and now, in the evening of his 
life, he is surrounded by all the comforts which money 
can supply. He has contributed largely to every 
public enterprise, while the poor have always found a 
friend in him. " There is that scattereth, and yet in- 
creaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is 
meet, but it tendeth to poverty." 



48 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER IV. 

Scout after Indians — Indian Ring — Cause of Indian Troubles — 
Steele and Kittson Pre-empt St. Anthony Falls — Signing False 
Returns — Indian Story-Tellers — Antoine Robert — Catfish Bar 
— Lecture in St. Anthony, Minnesota — The North Star State — 
Campaign to Iowa — Colonel Woods — Colonel Stevens — Post 
Established at Lizard Fork of Des Moines — Promoted to First 
Infantry — Married — Off for Texas — Generals Pitcher, Brooke, 
and Reeve — Wolves at Chacon — Fort Duncan. 

In the fall of 1849 ^^e Winnebago Indians became 
troublesome around Prairie du Chien, and it was 
decided to remove them to a reservation on the 
Mississippi River, above Rum River. The most 
effectual, and at the same time the most economical, 
way to remove them was considered to be by con- 
tract. Accordingly an agreement was entered into 
with a party by which he was to receive seventy dol- 
lars per head for each Indian transported to his new 
home. 

They were easily prevailed upon to take passage on 
steamboats from the Prairie to St. Paul, thence by 
easy marches to their new reservation. As they were 
well fed while in transit, this was considered " a good 
thing" by the noble red men and their interesting 
wives and charminsf dauofhters. 

As soon as they reached the reservation and the 
issue of rations ceased, they began to hunger for the 
flesh-pots of Wisconsin. So great was their desire to 
return that they tarried but a short time. Packing up 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



49 



their baggage they moved out on an air-Hne for their 
old homes, which they reached almost as soon as did 
the boat which first brought them up the river. Again 
they boarded the vessel and accepted the contractor's 
hospitality, and were soon afloat for the second time 
upon the broad bosom of the Father of Waters. The 
contractor was not long in finding out that he had 
"struck a bonanza." The Indians were moving in a 
circle, and hence there was no end to them. How 
much money was made and how long this proceeding 
continued I do not know, but this much I do know, 
that the river route taken in connection with the down 
trip by land formed an ellipse, or a circle, and was 
doubtless the origin of the term " Indian Ring." It is 
a difficult matter to locate this ring. It is everywhere, 
and embraces all the rascality perpetrated upon the 
nation's wards. It is seen in the inferior provisions 
furnished, for which the government pays the highest 
price. It is seen in the withholding of these inferior 
supplies until the poor Indian, half starved, starts out 
on the war-path to avoid starvation. It is the source 
and cause of nearly all of our Indian wars. It breaks 
up reserves and causes the removal of tribes to less 
hospitable locations, thus producing dissatisfaction, 
which too often culminates in war and bloodshed. It 
is the most infamously corrupt organization in the 
known world. Bad faith, cheating, lying, and stealing 
on the part of the ring brings on desperation, and the 
army is called on to punish the poor Indian because 
he murmurs at the wrongs inflicted upon him and upon 
his family. In another chapter I shall have something 
more to say in regard to the Indians and the policy 



50 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



which I think should be pursued by the government 
towards them. 

When that portion of the Fort SnelHng reservation 
lying along the Falls of St. Anthony, on the east 
side of the Mississippi River, was thrown open to settle- 
ment, Major Joseph Plympton was in command of the 
post. The mail arrived about nine o'clock at night, 
and Plympton received information of the proposed 
sale, but supposed that no one else did. He sent for 
Captain Martin Scott, to whom he imparted the secret, 
and proposed that they should make the necessary 
arrangements to start at daylight on the following 
morning for the Falls of St. Anthony, with a view to 
making their claim to the lands adjacent thereto. 
Frank Steele, the post sutler, received the same in- 
formation by the " Grape- Vine Telegraph," but instead 
of waiting until morning, he and N. W. Kittson, Esq., 
provided themselves with a bag of potatoes and sev- 
eral days' rations, procured a sleigh, loading it with 
straw, boards, nails, etc., and left the fort about 
twelve o'clock at night. They arrived at the falls 
about two o'clock a.m., and in a very short time 
erected a house into which they placed the straw for 
bedding. To make their claim a valid one it was 
necessary that they should be actual tillers of the soil. 
Holes were made in the snow and the potatoes 
planted. Satisfied with their success, these " horny- 
handed sons of toil" retired for the night. Bright and 
early on the following morning Plympton and Scott ar- 
rived. They were invited to dismount and take break- 
fast, after which they were shown around the farm and 
particular attention called to the field of potatoes. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



51 



Steele and Kittson were masters of the situation. 
Thus it was that the title to the lands upon which the 
East Division of Minneapolis is situated passed from 
the United States Government to private parties. 

It was only a short time after my arrival at Fort 
Snellingf that I succeeded to the command of the com- 
pany to which I was attached, by reason of the ab- 
sence of the captain and lieutenants. This imposed 
very little duty upon me, for it was too cold to drill, 
and when I recall what I had to do I can only re- 
member the signing of the morning reports and the 
provision returns. One morning the first sergeant 
brought me a return to sign for anti-scorbutics. Now 
be it known that I had never seen nor heard of anti- 
scorbutics before, but I had heard of officers signing 
false returns. I had no idea of being caught in any 
such trap, so I told the sergeant to leave the return on 
my table and when I had time I would give it atten- 
tion. When he withdrew I took up my dictionary and 
looked for the word, and was not even then satisfied 
that it would be proper in me to sign such a paper. 
Hastening over to see Major Woods, he explained that 
it was all right, whereupon I signed the return and sent it 
over to the company. I remembered this circumstance 
many years after when I told the junior member of a 
court, who was framinof a sentence, to use the word 
mulct instead of forfeit. His reply was that he never 
used a word about which he knew nothing whatever, 
" and as to that word mulct I never saw it in my life 
and never heard of it before." 

The first active service imposed on me was in No- 
vember, 1849. The Indians from one of the western 



52 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

reserves moved down upon the frontier and began to 
kill cattle and other domestic animals for food. The 
settlers were afraid to interpose objection for fear of 
being- murdered ; so word reached the post commander 
of the existing state of things, and I was detailed to 
take charge of twenty men, go up to Rum River, and 
compel the wandering ones to return to their homes. 
I met a few of them, and the presence of my command 
was soon known, when all retraced their steps and 
ceased to give any more trouble. There was at that 
time livinfr on Rum River a Mr. Antoine Robert, a 
Frenchman, who had married an Indian woman and 
who had about his house a lar^e number of children. 
Robert was without education, but a man of strong 
character and, for his opportunities, a very intelligent 
man. I learned much from him about frontier life and 
Indian character. He told me that his experience with 
the Indians had convinced him that they were the 
most superstitious people in the world. An old Indian 
will gather around him a crowd of boys and girls, and 
from his fertile imao-ination draw out the most im- 
probable stories. In every tribe there are two or more 
story-tellers, — Munchausens, — and when their tales 
are told the young believe them, and when they grow 
up tell the same to their own children, not as fiction 
but as truth. Mr. Robert asked me if I had ever 
heard of " Catfish Bar," in the St. Croix River. I told 
him I had. " Well," said he, " that got its name in this 
way, and the Indians believe the story and you cannot 
convince them to the contrary. The Sioux forages had 
waged a savage and relentless war against the Chip- 
pewas, who became disheartened by frequent reverses 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 53 

and, in council, resolved on abandoning the country so 
dear to them ; but two young warriors stepped to the 
front and begged their people to remain until they had 
gone forth in battle against their blood-thirsty enemy. 
They called upon the Great Spirit to witness the oath, 
then made, that they would neither eat nor drink 
until after they had overtaken and avenged the wrongs 
inflicted upon their tribe. 

" Arranging their toilets and painting their faces, they 
started down the river on their perilous journey. The 
weather was warm, and thirst and hunger beean to be 
felt; but, true to their solemn oath, they continued their 
journey along the bank of the St. Croix. At length 
strength failed, and they sat down to look at the water 
they craved so much. This only aggravated their 
thirst, and at last one of them resolved to crawl to 
the bank and drink from the cool, refreshing stream. 
Just as he stooped down and got his lips near the 
water he was suddenly transformed into a catfish, and 
with the instincts of a full-grown fish he swam from the 
shore. The more he drank the larger he grew, until 
finally there was not water enough to float him, and 
he rested on the bottom and was soon buried beneath 
the sand, where he lies to-day, forming Catfish Bar, 
which ever reminds his brethren of the fearful doom 
that surely awaits any one who fails to keep and per- 
form the pledges he makes to the Great Spirit." 

I remained with Mr. Robert for several days, and 
then returned to my post. By the ist day of December 
winter was upon us. Out-door exercise was impossi- 
ble, and for long, weary months we remained housed, 
with few amusements beyond occasional visits among 



54 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



ourselves. It was my first experience in such high 
latitude, and well do I remember the severity of the 
weather. St. Anthony was a small village, peopled 
principally from the State of Maine. There was 
organized in the town a " Library Association," and to 
raise a fund for the purchase of books a course of 
lectures was decided upon. Of course no distinguished 
lecturers could be prevailed upon to come to this un- 
settled, hyperborean region, and hence local talent had 
to be called into requisition. By some means I never 
knew, I was invited to lecture one evening on any 
subject I might select. I consented, and on a night 
with the temperature at thirty degrees below zero I 
rode up and gave the good people the best talk I could. 
The house was filled with an intelligent audience, and 
my sophomoric address was received with marked 
attention far above its merits. I remember to have 
made some prophecies as to the growth of this country, 
and it is due to truth to say that I did not believe one- 
half of what I said. I remember to have told them 
that the time was not far distant when thousands of 
smiling villages would be reflected by the waves of our 
rivers and lakes, and the broad and beautiful prairies 
would in the near future echo with the sound of the 
reaper. The prophecy has been fulfilled, and to-day 
over a million of people inhabit the State ; thrifty 
farmers have subdued the prairies, and every year 
harvest wheat enough not only to feed the Minneso- 
tians, but half of Europe, and yet the State is in its 
infancy. 

The past is the prototype of the future and furnishes 
the only data upon which future events can be foretold. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



55 



What, then, may be looked for by the dose of this 
century in the way of growth and prosperity of this 
State? Minnesota stands to-day unrivalled in the pos- 
session of all the elements of a mighty and prosperous 
career, and while it is only a question of a few years 
when those who have made it what it is will be gathered 
to their final rest, the rising generation will carry on 
the work inaugurated by their ancestors and make 
this the empire State of the Northwest. 

The Sacs, Foxes, and Potawatomies Indians origi- 
nally occupied the territory now covered by the State 
of Iowa; but when their lands were desired for the use 
of the avaricious white man they were compelled to 
remove. These tribes were colonized on the west of 
the Missouri River. The climate was inhospitable 
and the game scarce. There is something pleasant In 
the memories of home. There our ancestors lived 
and died. There their precious dust reposes within 
the quiet walls of some cemetery, or under the shade 
of some old, ancestral tree, and it is there that we 
hope, some day, to return and again become familiar 
with the scenes of our childhood. The Indian being 
human, his heart is influenced by the same sentiment, 
the same emotions which move our own. Is it strange, 
then, that he should have the same longing desires 
that we have ? Is it not reasonable that they should 
wish to return to the home of their childhood, to see 
the graves of their ancestors and of their own children, 
to drink from the same pure fountain, and to visit old 
and familiar places where they enjoyed the happy 
days of boyhood ? Parts of these tribes returned to 
Iowa, and encamped near the village of Marengo. It 



56 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

is possible that they committed some depredations 
while in search of food. Complaint, at all events, was 
made against them, and the War Department was re- 
quested to cause them to be sent out of the State. To 
accomplish this a command was organized under the 
leadership of Brevet Major Samuel Woods, consisting 
of one company of dragoons and two of infantry, one 
of which I commanded. Colonel John H. Stevens was 
appointed sutler, and accompanied the command with 
a stock of goods so varied as to furnish about every 
article a soldier would desire on a campaign. To 
reach the camp of the Indians the troops were trans- 
ported by river to Muscatine, thence by easy marches 
to the vicinity of Marengo, passing through Iowa City, 
at that time the capital of the State. When our com- 
mand was within a day's march of the camp the In- 
dians packed up and departed for parts unknown. 
Runners were sent in all directions to find them and 
ask for a " talk," but they would not listen to any 
proposition of the sort. Finally, two citizens of that 
country proposed to gather them all in and remove 
them over and beyond the Missouri River for ^3.50 
per head, and as this was cheaper than the govern- 
ment could do it, Major Woods closed the contract, 
which I think was carried out faithfully on the part of 
the contractors. 

Under instructions from the War Department, Major 
Woods proceeded to establish a permanent post near 
the Lizard Fork of the Des Moines, which he named 
Fort Clarke in honor of General Clarke, the depart- 
ment commander. The name was subsequently 
changed to Fort Dodge as a compliment to Senator 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



57 



Dodge, of Iowa. The post has long- since been aban- 
doned, and there has grown up on its site a large 
and flourishing city, which bears the name of the old 
post. 

The company which I commanded was relieved from 
duty with Major Woods's command, and I was directed 
to return with it to Fort Snelling, where I arrived 
about September 15, 1850. On my return I found 
my promotion to second lieutenant in the First Regi- 
ment of Infantry, then stationed in Texas, and I 
began to arrange my private affairs for a change of 
station. 

Before leaving on the campaign to Iowa there was 
" a promise made to me in some of the love-making 
nooks" around Fort Snelling, and that little matter 
had to be attended to. After October 30, 1850, there 
were two of us in the family. If she has ever had any 
cause to regret saying " yes," she has had the good 
sense never to mention it. She left a comfortable, 
pleasant home to share the trials, hardships, and priva- 
tions of a soldier's life on the frontier, and yet through 
all she was never known to complain or murmur. On 
the contrary, she has always been a source of encour- 
agement and comfort. A Qrood wife is of more value 
to her husband than rubies. " She will do him good 
and not evil all the days of her life." 

On the nth day of November following, leaving 
her behind me, I started for Texas via Kentucky. I 
remained in my old home for a few days, and then 
took passage on board of a fine boat for New Orleans. 
At the latter place I engaged my passage on the 
steamer " Galveston" for Indianola, Texas, and was 

5 



58 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

fortunate in having as a travelling companion Lieu- 
tenant Thomas G. Pitcher, who in the late war was a 
gallant and distinguished general officer. While on 
the steamer I had an attack of fever, and my illness 
increased until after my arrival in San Antonio. I 
shall never forget Pitcher's kindness. He ministered 
to my wants with as much tenderness and devotion as 
if I had been his brother. As long as I live I shall 
remember him as a true and tried friend, whose self- 
abnegation added greatly to my comfort if it did not 
really save my life. On my arrival in San Antonio, in 
an ambulance and flat on my back. General George 
M. Brooke, the department commander, directed that 
I should be taken to his residence. There I had the 
kindest attention shown me, and when I recovered 
sufficiently to leave my room I was the recipient of 
many kind courtesies extended to me by the officers 
stationed in that city, and particularly on the part of 
Colonel I. V. D. Reeve and his estimable family. 
These little courtesies, small in themselves, made up 
a silver lining to the black cloud which had overhung 
me for several weeks. 

When I had gained strength sufficient, I was fur- 
nished with an ambulance to take me to my post at 
Fort Duncan. An escort was unnecessary until I had 
passed Fort Inge, then under the command of Brevet 
Colonel W. J. Hardee, of the dragoons. I remained 
one night at that post, and was the guest of the com- 
manding officer. From that point to Fort Duncan 
required two days' travel, unequally divided on account 
of water. I had to camp for the night at the Chacon, 
where I was liable to be attacked by prowling Indians. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



59 



Hardee instructed me to allow the men to prepare their 
dinners near the creek, and then advised me to make 
my camp on the hills beyond, so that the little party, 
composed of four men commanded by a sergeant, 
would not be easily surprised. I did as he suggested, 
and passed the night safely. Before daylight the escort 
were up, had their horses fed, and proceeded to prepare 
their breakfast. The fumes from broiling bacon awoke 
me, and about that time I heard what I supposed was 
not less than a thousand Indians. I put my head out 
of the ambulance to see what the escort thought of 
the situation. They seemed to take no notice of the 
unusual noise, which I thought quite strange. They 
were old soldiers and had heard the yelping of prairie 
wolves before. The noise frightened me, and for a 
while every hair on my head stood straight and alone. 
By the time it was light enough to see the road we 
were on our way, and arrived at Fort Duncan about 
noon. Here I met Barton, Washington, Mcintosh, 
and Reynolds, of my class, who were as glad to see 
me as I was to meet them. I did not feel like a 
stranger in a strange land, for they soon introduced 
me to all of the officers at the post, and I felt at home 
and among friends from the very hour of my arrival. 
The troops and the post were commanded by Brevet 
Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson Morris, a kind, good- 
hearted man and a good soldier, who required all 
under him to do their duty well and faithfully. He 
was not a martinet, but exacted a rigid compliance 
with the laws and regulations, and yet exacted nothing 
more from his subordinates than he cheerfully did 
himself. He had his family at the post, and his hos- 



6o A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

pitable home was ever open to the officers of the 
garrison. A few days after my arrival his house was 
thrown open and the officers of the post were invited 
to meet me. By some strange oversight I had not 
been bidden to the feast. Noticing my absence, he 
came over to my quarters to know if I was sick. 
When I told him the reason I had not gone, he was 
very much mortified and insisted upon my going over 
with him. He was so pressing, and had made such 
ample explanation, that I could not decline, so I joined 
the happy throng at the eleventh hour and partici- 
pated in the closing scenes of the evening, — and, by 
the way, the latter part of an evening's entertainment is 
always the most pleasant, for formality has then given 
way to genuine enjoyment. The appetite has been 
appeased, and one feels at peace with himself and all 
the members of the human family. 

How pleasant it is to feel just in that way ! Such 
experiences, however, belong generally to the young. 
When one eets to be old, and his digestive oro^ans have 
become impaired by long and improper use, he is apt 
to be sour and morose, — liable to take offence at almost 
anything that is said. He ceases to be a comfort to 
himself, and becomes an intolerable nuisance to all 
with whom he comes in contact. What a fate for any 
poor woman to be tied to such a " living body of 
death!" She humors the poor fellow, and gets along 
with him the best she can until death comes to her 
relief and takes one or the other away. If we could 
always be young how pleasant life would be ! 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 6 1 



CHAPTER V. 

War with Mexico — Sheridan's Trip to Texas — Lawlessness of Peo- 
ple — Horse Stealing — Murder — A Justice of the Peace Resigns 
— Want of Order in Building Fort Duncan — General Holabird — 
Northers — Good State for Railroads — Officers of the First — 
Mexican Ladies — Bull-Fights — Striker Twomey — Anticipated 
Troubles — Back to St. Paul. 

Fort Duncan is situated on high ground, overlook- 
ing the Rio Grande. Between the post and the river 
is a low, sandy bottom, say a half-mile wide, which 
often overflows. In the rear of the post, and extend- 
inor from the river above to the river below, is a circu- 
lar range of high hills. On the north, and separated 
from it by a deep ravine, is the town of Eagle Pass ; 
while in front, and across the river, is the Mexican 
town of Piedras Neg^ras. The ereat line of travel 
from San Antonio to the interior States of Mexico 
passes through this place, and this fact, probably, de- 
termined the location of the post. The soil for miles 
around is pure sand, which produces nothing but the 
cactus and the dwarfed mesquite tree. All the grain 
used by our horses had to be brought from the inte- 
rior of Mexico, where it was produced by irrigation ; 
while the flour and other provisions for the use of the 
troops were brought by steamer from New Orleans to 
Corpus Christi, thence by mule teams to the post. 

It will be remembered that the war with Mexico 
was occasioned by a dispute in regard to the boundary 



62 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

line of Texas, Mexico claimed the Nueces and Texas 
the Rio Grande as the boundary line. Had we not 
acquired California by the war, the lives lost and treas- 
ure expended would have been lost and expended to 
little purpose, for the land in dispute is worthless, — 
absolutely of no value for agricultural or grazing pur- 
poses. Even the butter used on our tables was 
brought from New Orleans, and goats, which could 
subsist on the sparse vegetation on the hills around 
the post, supplied us with milk. 

It was possibly on a trip to Fort Duncan when 
General Sheridan declared that if he " owned Texas 
and the infernal regfions he would lease the State and 
reside in the other place." 

It must be remembered, however, that Texas is 
more than three times as laro-e as all of the New Enor- 
land States ; that there is more good and productive 
land within it than in any other State of the Union. 
Of course in such a large body of land there must be 
much barren and worthless. The eastern half is fer- 
tile and productive, and produces everything man 
could desire. The climate is delightful. The days 
are warm, but the nights are cool and pleasant. 

In the settled portion of the State the people are 
educated, refined, and law-abiding. On the frontier 
just the reverse may be said ; that is, the people are 
ignorant, destitute of any refinement, and have no re- 
spect for law or order. It should be remembered that 
I am writing about the state of things which existed 
there thirty-five years ago. 

While I was stationed at Fort Duncan I think I can 
safely say that some one was murdered in Eagle Pass 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



^Z 



or in its vicinity every day in the year. With some 
few exceptions the population of that town was made 
up of murderers and others who escaped from Mexico 
for safety, or who sought the boundary line, over which 
they could readily pass if, perchance, they were pur- 
sued by the officers of the law. 

At the time about which I am now writino- horse- 
stealing was the greatest crime a man could commit. 
The taking of human life was a violation of law, but 
by no means a serious offence against the dignity of 
the State. 

A man, after mature deliberation, decided upon 
taking the life of his neighbor. His plan was to go to 
his house, ring the bell, and when he opened the door 
to stab him to death. Arming himself with a huge 
bowie-knife, he knocked at the door. It was opened 
and he plunged the deadly weapon into the breast of 
the man, then throwing his weight upon it he ripped 
him open, his bowels falling out on the door-steps. 
Subsequently he learned that the man he had brutally 
murdered was not the one he wanted to kill. The 
coroner's jury found that the man died by accident, 
and the hero of the butcher-knife went free. I did not 
know the above parties, but General Albert Sidney 
Johnston related the case to me and vouched for its 
truthfulness. An officer of the army, becoming angry 
with his commanding officer, proceeded to his quarters 
and killed him in cold blood. He then orave himself 
up to the civil authorities, was tried and acquitted. 
As no one can have his life placed in jeopardy twice 
for the same offence, of course he could not be tried 
by the military authorities, and hence he escaped pun- 



64 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

ishment. It would take too much space to relate half 
the outrages which came to my notice while I was in 
Texas. These will suffice. In justice it should be 
stated that this lawlessness was condemned by the 
better classes, but they were powerless to put a stop 
to it. In the frontier towns there was absolutely no 
security for life or property. When a murder was 
committed those who witnessed it were afraid to re- 
port it, for the informant was sure to be killed in the 
course of time. 

A justice of the peace in conversation with me 
summed up the matter in a few words. He had re- 
signed his office, and I wanted to know why he had 
done so. He replied, "There is no use of my being 
judge in this county, where every man is afraid to say 
turkle." 

The buildings at the post were constructed with 
little reference to each other, or to the points of the 
compass. Had they been deposited on the ground as 
the result of a cyclone there would have been no less 
regard for regularity or uniformity. 

The commanding officer occupied a house con- 
structed of adobes. The nearest house to it was built 
of stone. There were several log and mud houses 
scattered around without order, while the other officers 
were either in tents or paulin houses, pitched wherever 
inclination led the occupant to decide. 

The only buildings in line were those occupied by 
the companies. These were constructed of grass, like 
many of the Mexican houses, and were known as 
thatched houses. 

A small adobe house had been constructed for the use 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 65 

of the bachelors' mess. The store — erected by the 
sutler himself — was built of adobes. Mr. Thomas K. 
Wallace, the brother of Captain George W. Wallace, 
was the sutler, and he was assisted by his brother, Mr. 
E. W. Wallace. They were both clever gentlemen, 
and added much to the society of the post. The store 
was well supplied with everything usually found in a 
country store, and the officers and soldiers could pro- 
cure such articles as they required at reasonable 
prices. Attached to the store was the sutler's private 
office, which was very generally used as a club room, 
— at least it was there that they assembled to discuss 
military and unmilitary matters. And some idea can 
be formed of the interest taken in these discussions 
when I assert that the meetings often broke up in the 
short hours of the morning. The officers, at their own 
expense, erected a billiard-room and provided it with a 
first-class billiard-table, which afforded many pleasant 
hours of amusement to those who were fond of the 
game. Captain Wallace and Lieutenant Holabird 
were the best players. On one occasion they locked 
the door and played steadily for twenty-four hours to 
decide the championship. 

Holabird never gave his attention to anything at 
which he could not excel. Hence he was a fine shot, 
a splendid billiard-player, and the best quartermaster 
in the army. To-day he is the able Quartermaster- 
General of the United States Army. 

It was at this post that I first experienced a real, 
genuine Texas norther. A description of one is un- 
necessary except for those who have not seen or felt 
one. They are invariably preceded by hot, sultry 



66 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

weather. Suddenly there appears in the north a light, 
windy-looking- cloud, which approaches with fearful 
rapidity. Within twenty minutes after the cloud is 
observed the storm is at hand. There is no rain, only 
wind, and it is so cold that one imagines it just down 
from an iceberg. The mercury will fall from 60° to 
70° within a half-hour. The cold is not so intense as 
in more northerly latitudes, but the change is so great 
and so sudden, and the wearing apparel so light, that 
I have really suffered more from cold in Texas than I 
have in Minnesota. The northers generally continue 
for three or four days, during which time the air is full 
of dust and sand. Finally they blow themselves out, 
and there is a lull for a day or so, when the wind blows 
a gale from the south, which continues for several days, 
during which time the dust is driven back in blinding 
sheets. Houses and tents cannot be constructed close 
enough to exclude it. During the prevalence of a 
norther, as well as the returning south wind, there is 
dust in the eyes, ears, mouth, in the sugar, and in the 
coffee. In fact, it is in everything and on everything, 
— dust everywhere. Long before there were any rail- 
roads in Texas Colonel Backus said that it was the 
best country in the world for such roads, " for," said he, 
"any one coming out here and experiencing a norther 
would like to get out of the country as rapidly as pos- 
sible, and would therefore patronize the railroads." 

The officers of the First Infantry, with whom I was 
thrown at Fort Duncan, were good soldiers and agree- 
able oentlemen. There were no bickerings amongf 
them. The ladies at the post made the most of their 
opportunities, and by frequently gathering the officers 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 67 

together for social intercourse, kept up the good feel- 
ing so necessary in every garrison. 

We were compelled to use the river water for all 
purposes. It was so muddy that when a glass was 
filled with it the bottom could not be seen. Here I 
learned one use to which the prickly pear could be 
placed. If thrown in the fire long enough to burn off 
the prickers, then opened and thrown into a barrel of 
water, it will cause the dirt to be precipitated to the 
bottom, leaving the water clear and pure. All water 
in Texas is warm, and to reduce the temperature a 
porous earthen-ware jar is used. It is filled and then 
placed where a current of air will pass over it. The 
rapid evaporation on the outside surface cools the 
water within and makes it quite palatable, although I 
believe that the temperature can never be reduced 
below 57°. 

Our neighbors, the Mexicans, seemed to me to be 
the most indolent people in the world. Almost every 
day is a feast day, and almost everybody appears to 
celebrate it. All kinds of amusements are invented 
whereby a few gather in the pennies of the many. 
Gambling in all its phases is pardcipated in by both 
male and female. Every one smokes, and the grace- 
fulness with which a young maiden handles her 
cigarette is remarkable. The women are generally 
handsome, well formed, and graceful in their move- 
ments. They mature much sooner than the ladies, 
in any other country. A girl at eleven years old 
is as much of a woman as one of eighteen is widi 
us. They enter society at about that age, and are 
candidates for matrimony. I have seen a mother 



68 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

only eleven years old with her infant babe upon her 
knee. 

Every year they have " bull-fights." One bull at a 
time is led into an enclosure, surrounded by a circular 
wall, on the top of which seats are arranged for the 
spectators. One man enters the ring and arouses the 
anger of the brute by shaking a red flag at him. 
When sufficiently infuriated he dashes at the man, who 
steps aside very adroitly and sticks a rosette just 
between the horns, where it is held by a sharp arrow- 
head. This goes on until all parts of his body have 
been decorated, and the pain from these cruel arrow- 
points must be intense to the poor animal. Finally 
the lacerated, bleeding creature is killed, and another 
vicdm is led into the ring. This cruel proceeding 
seems to give the people much amusement, and they 
cheer vociferously the barbarian in the ring. Fond- 
ness for this game is not confined to the men alone, 
but the best ladies of the country patronize it by their 
presence and appear to enjoy the barbarous sport. I 
can hardly see how a man born and reared in a Chris- 
tian land could ever witness such a disgusting sight a 
second time. Nearly every young officer at the post 
would go once, but I never knew one to go a second 
time. 

A bachelor at Fort Duncan had an Irishman by the 
name of Twomey, fresh from the green slopes of his 
native land, to look after his quarters and make his 
fires. A more faithful, honest man no one ever knew. 
His Irish bulls amused me very much. On one occa- 
sion an officer sent him to the sutler's store for a 
seidlitz powder. He rushed over as if it were a case 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



69 



of life and death, and seeing the sutler himself said, 
" Misther Wallace, the lieutenant sent me over for 
your siddle and spoours." Mr. Wallace, thinking that 
" siddle and spoours" was about as near seidlitz 
powder as Twomey would be likely to come, sent 
what was wanted, and afterwards told me of the 
servant's blunder. 

In the fall of 185 1 I asked for a leave of absence for 
the purpose of visiting St. Paul in order to remove 
my family to Texas. Before my leave expired, the 
river closed and I could not return. I was authorized 
to remain at St. Paul until the opening of navigation, 
then to proceed to New Orleans and report to Captain 
John H. King for the purpose of conducting recruits 
to the Department of Texas. Although absent from 
Fort Snelling for only a year, the officers of the gar- 
rison had been completely changed. The old, familiar 
friends whom I had expected to meet had been or- 
dered away. So I lost interest in the fort and rarely 
ever visited it, although some of my most pleasant 
memories are connected with that old post. Such is 
army life. Here to-day and there to-morrow. In the 
first twenty-two years of my married life I changed 
stations twenty-three times, and at each post had to 
refit anew. Looking back at my own experience I 
can but wonder why any young man endowed with 
ordinary business capacity, good habits, and reason- 
able ability should seek service in the United States 
army. An old friend once said, " Love of glory took 
me to West Point, and necessity has kept me in the 
army." Frequent changes have their compensations 
sometimes. One may be stationed at an out-of-the- 



70 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



way post without any pleasant surroundings, so a 
change is looked for, as it may be for a better place, 
certainly it can be no worse. An occasional detail on 
detached service enables an officer to lay aside frontier 
drudgery for a while and revel in the comforts of civil- 
ized life, and few, if any, fail to enjoy, to the fullest 
extent, such opportunities. When they rejoin their 
regiments they enter upon their duties with renewed 
interest and zeal. 

I really believe that the members of the human 
family suffer more from anticipated troubles than they 
do from the present ones with which they have to 
contend. In garrison some one will express the belief 
that the regiment is to be ordered to some disap^ree- 
able place to establish a new post. This thought 
spreads until it becomes almost real. How are we to 
get there, and how shall we get our furniture and 
household goods transported ? And so they go on 
worrying over something that never comes. There 
would be a great deal more happiness in the world if 
every one would resolve on meeting trouble when it 
comes, and not before. 

The present is ours, the future may never be. 
Then let every one meet the responsibilities of the 
present, and provide for future troubles and trials 
when they come. The world will be happier by so 
doing. 

The winter passed, spring came, the ice disappeared 
from the river, the first boat arrived, and the time of 
my departure was at hand. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 71 



CHAPTER VI. . 

Trip to New Orleans — Simon, my Old Nurse — Green — Farming in 
Kentucky — On the Gulf — Cultivating Potatoes on Board of Ship 
— Fort Terrett — Colonel Bainbridge — Rattlesnakes — Turke\- 
Shooting — Iron and Nails — Quarters — Accidental Death of the 
Adjutant — Burning of Steamer "Louisiana" — Death of Colonel 
Bainbridge — S. D. Carpenter — His Death — Appointed Adjutant 
— "Major" Mills — Game — Panthers — Fort Terrett Abandoned. 

The first boat to reach St. Paul in the spring of 
1852 was the " Key City," We had our trunks packed, 
and, bidding good-by to our friends, boarded the boat 
and began our long trip to New Orleans. Then there 
were no railroads, and the entire journey had to be 
made by the river. We reached St. Louis in due time, 
where we remained a few days, and then secured pas- 
sage on the " Aleck Scott," a splendid boat, well offi- 
cered and perfect in all its details. Captain Scott, the 
commander, had been a river man from boyhood, and 
what he did not know about river navigation was not 
worth knowing. His table was as well supplied as any 
hotel table at which I ever sat. The variety was great, 
and the articles were prepared in the highest style of 
the culinary art. 

When five or six years old my father had among his 
slaves a boy by the name of Simon, about fifteen years 
old, whose duty it was to look after me and see that I 
did not fall in the well or get injured by going into 
dangerous places. From the time I arose in the 
morning until I retired at night Simon's eyes were 



72 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

ever upon me. Constant association begat a friend- 
ship which has not been lessened by the lapse of time. 
When he was about eighteen years old he became 
weary of home-life and asked my father to permit 
him to hire himself to a Captain Pease, who com- 
manded a steamboat plying between Louisville and 
New Orleans. He entered the service of Captain 
Pease as a cabin-boy. When the boat stopped for an 
hour or so near our home he always came to see us, 
and was greeted as a friend and brother. 

In the course of time he married a woman belong- 
ing to Captain Pease. My father tried to purchase 
her, but Pease would not sell ; and, not wishing to 
separate husband and wife, a proposition was made 
to her owner to buy Simon, who had very naturally 
expressed a willingness to leave his old friends in 
order to be with his wife. The sale was made, after 
which I seldom had an opportunity of seeing my old 
friend and body-guard. 

Years passed by, and I feared that he had fallen by 
the wayside, although I never failed to inquire about 
him of all persons from whom I thought I might gain 
any definite information in regard to his death, or, 
if alive, his whereabouts. 

While on the "Aleck Scott" I visited the barber 
professionally. He was loquacious, as all barbers are. 
I asked him if he knew a colored man by the name of 
Simon on any of the boats running to New Orleans. 
"What," says he, " Simon Johnson?" "Yes," I re- 
plied. " Well, sir, he is the cook on this very boat." 
I hastened to the cook-house and made myself known 
to him. "What," said he, "can this be litde Dick?" 



IN PEACE AND WAR. j^ 

On being assured that such was the case, he burst into 
tears and sobbed Hke a child. He had changed very 
much since I last saw him. From a small young man 
he had Q^rown to be one weiQ^hino- about three hundred 
and fifty pounds. When he had recovered himself 
sufficiently I asked him many questions and learned 
much of his life. He said, " Old Massa Johnson told 
me when I was a boy never to drink liquor, use 
tobacco, or swear, and I have through all these years 
followed his advice, although at times I have been 
sorely tempted to do all three of these. I can do 
almost anything any other man can do, except swim. 
I cannot swim a lick." I told him that my wife was 
on board, and he expressed a great desire to see her, 
and she was equally curious to see the friend of my 
childhood. It is needless to say that throughout the 
trip we were the recipients of many little delicacies 
prepared by his experienced hand not spread before 
the other passengers. From that time to this I have 
not seen him, but I trust that time has dealt kindly 
with him and that the good Lord has blessed him 
abundantly.'^ 

There was another slave owned by my father to 
whom I wish to make reference. One of our neieh- 
bors owned a woman who died ten days after the birth 
of her child. The infant was sick, and my father was 
called to attend it. The chances of its recovery were 
extremely doubtful. The owner said to my father, 
" Doctor, if you will give me a fur hat you may have 
that little negro." The offer was accepted and the 
child sent to our house. With proper care it soon 
recovered and grew to be a handsome boy, to whom 

6 

\ 



74 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



the name of Green was given. The original owner 
seeing him on one occasion, and remembering that he 
had parted with him for a mere trifle, made another 
demand, and father gave him fifty dollars. This settled 
the title. The boy grew to be a fine-looking man, and 
had he received the benefit of a college education would 
have made a broad mark in this world. 

All the negroes on our place, with capacity sufficient, 
were taught to read, as father believed it to be a duty 
to qualify each one for reading the Scriptures. Green 
could both read and write, and was passionately fond 
of books. In accordance with my father's will he, 
together with several others, were to be given their 
freedom when my younger brother reached his ma- 
jority. He would have been a free man on the 8th 
day of June, 1850, but he died of cholera in the year 
1849. 

Slavery as it existed in Kentucky was not the 
slavery spoken of by Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe. 

Slaves were allowed more liberty, were better fed 
and clothed, and they seemed to enjoy as much happi 
ness as any portion of the human family. No one 
expected to make anything by farming beyond a com- 
fortable living. The negroes raised corn, hogs ate the 
corn, and the negroes ate the hogs ; and so it went in 
one continued round. Slavery no longer exists in the 
land, and the farther we get away from it the more 
hideous it seems. While it existed in the South the 
Southern people were hardly responsible for it. The 
slaves had been handed down from parents to chil- 
dren, and they represented just so much money, and 
few felt able to cut themselves loose from the de- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



75 



grading institution. But the country is freed from 
the disgrace, and all men North and South rejoice 
thereat. 

In due time I reached New Orleans and put up at 
the Saint Charles, which at that time was second to 
no hotel in the country. In a few days I marched the 
recruits on board of the steamer "Fashion," com- 
manded by Captain Baker, an old sea captain. The 
"Fashion" was an old craft, having been used as a 
government transport during the Mexican war. I 
hardly thought her seaworthy, but the voyage was 
safely made across the gulf to Indianola. On her 
next trip she was lost in a gale. 

I noticed on the dinner-table every day curious Irish 
potatoes which appeared to have no skins on them. 
I was informed that they were raised on board the 
vessel and of course in the shade. The process was 
explained to me, and I give it here so that those who 
have no ground for the cultivation of this delicious 
esculent need not be deprived of them. Take an 
ordinary crate, such as is used in importing crockery, 
place in the bottom about six inches of straw, and in 
this straw place potatoes, or parts of potatoes, about 
six inches apart; then put on six inches more of straw, 
and then potatoes as before. Continue with straw and 
potatoes until the top of the crate is reached. Then 
wet thoroughly, and every day thereafter sprinkle a 
bucket of water over the top surface. In due time the 
harvest will be abundant, and as the new potatoes are 
required they can be taken out and will be found nice 
and clean and apparently without skins. At Indianola 
I was furnished with the necessary transportation for 



1^ 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



my command and began the march to San Antonio, 
which place I reached in six days. 

On reporting at department headquarters I learned 
that the company to which I belonged, with three 
others, had been ordered to march to and establish a 
post at or near the headwaters of the Llano River, 
whither they had gone a month or so before. I 
followed up and finally reached the new camp and 
reported to Lieutenant-Colonel Bainbridge, the regi- 
mental and post commander. The recruits were dis- 
tributed equally among the companies and my duty 
with them ceased. 

Just why a post was established at this point no one 
ever knew, unless it was General Percifer F. Smith, 
the department commander, and he never revealed 
any of the reasons he may have had for doing so. 
We remained guests of Colonel Bainbridge and his 
most estimable wife for a few days, when we entered 
upon tent-keeping on our own account. 

I had the underbrush cleared away in a small cedar 
grove and pitched two wall-tents, facing each other, 
and about ten feet apart. Between the tents stood a 
large cedar-tree, which, together with cedar-boughs 
carefully interlaced among the limbs, made a shade 
between the tents. One of these tents was our par- 
lor, the other our bedroom, and the covered way be- 
tween them was our dry-weather dining-room. 

Here we had evidently trespassed upon the home 
and domain of various families of rattlesnakes, and it 
was several weeks before they were exterminated. 
One was killed just at the entrance into our sleeping 
apartment. It was really dangerous to go out after 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



77 



dark. Many were killed, and the noise probably drove 
odiers off, so diat at last we were free from molesta- 
tion from that source. The soil around the post was 
filled with fleas, which soon filled our tents and made 
our lives miserable. In order to get any sleep at night 
it was necessary to put the foot of each bed-post in a 
pan of water, stand on a chair to undress and to put 
on night-clothes, and from the chair jump into bed. 
In this way few of these little pests could become bed- 
fellows, and consequently sleep was possible. 

The country for miles around was devoid of timber, 
except some that skirted the streams. To these wild 
turkeys repaired every night to roost. Thousands of 
turkeys roosted every night within a mile of the post, 
and could be easily killed in any numbers required. 
Lieutenant S. B. Holabird, who was an excellent 
marksman, had a gun which carried a bullet a little 
smaller than a grape-shot. He would go to a roost 
and seek a position where he would have a dozen or 
more in range, and then blaze away, and the turkeys 
would fall like apples from a well-shaken tree. His 
fondness for shooting, coupled with his unerring aim, 
enabled him to keep not only his own family, but the 
families at the post well supplied with all kinds of 
game. 

In the building of the post nothing but " iron and 
nails" was allowed, and the order was rigidly enforced. 
The troops had to cut logs, make shingles, quarry and 
lay stone, and, in fact, do all of the work necessary to 
house themselves and the officers. The company 
quarters were constructed of logs, and were the first 
erected. The officers' quarters were built of stone. 



78 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

On November 8, 1852, I struck my tents and moved 
into my quarters, which was one room, about twenty feet 
square. This we divided by a curtain into a parlor 
and bedroom. A tent pitched near by answered for 
a dining-room, and one a httle more remote was used 
for a kitchen. As the government refused us every- 
thing except iron and nails, the officers had to furnish, 
at their own expense, doors, sash, and glass. The 
floors were prepared for carpets by throwing in clay 
so as to raise the ground on the inside about a foot 
above that on the outside. This was levelled off and 
rammed down to make it firm and smooth. On this 
old papers were laid, upon which grain-sacks sewed 
together were placed, and on the grain-sacks the car- 
pet was stretched. When our house was in order I 
remember how neat it looked, and there we were as 
comfortable, happy, and contented as any two mortals 
could possibly be. 

On the arrival of the command at this place, the site 
was so gloomy that Colonel Bainbridge named it Camp 
Lugubrious. This somewhat offended the department 
commander, who directed it to be called Camp Bain- 
bridge, which he said was synonymous. By this name 
it was known until the War Department designated it 
as Fort Terrett. Soon after my arrival, I was sent out 
with a detachment of men on foot to follow a party of 
mounted Indians which it was supposed would pass a 
certain point about a given time. Of course, we saw 
no Indians nor any indications of them. I was fur- 
nished with a saddle-horse for the trip, but it broke 
loose the first night out and returned to the post. I 
continued on foot, wearing a pair of thin boots, and on 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 79 

my return was so lame that several weeks elapsed be- 
fore I was able to walk. The companies at Fort Ter- 
rett were commanded by Captains King, Granger, 
Carpenter, and Caldwell. King, Granger, and Cald- 
well, having reached the ripe old age of sixty-four 
years, are on the retired list. Lieutenant F. J. Den- 
man was the regimental adjutant, and Lieutenant S. B. 
Holabird the regimental quartermaster. Lieutenant 
Denman lost his life near Fort Terrett March 2, 1853, 
by the accidental discharge of a gun. He was a gen- 
eral favorite, admired by all for his sterling worth as 
an officer and gentleman. 

Colonel Bainbridge, one of nature's noblemen, has 
passed away, and his demise was attended by the most 
distressing circumstances. On the 31st of May, 1857, 
he was on board of the gulf steamer " Louisiana," out 
about nine miles from Galveston. The alarm of fire 
was given. He arose quickly, and occupied himself in 
arousing the other passengers, of whom there were 
one hundred and four. Of this number fifty-two were 
saved and fifty-two perished. Colonel Bainbridge was 
unfortunately lost. Some days afterwards his body 
washed ashore, and his limbs were drawn up as if in 
the act of swimming. It is supposed that a spasmodic 
contraction of his limbs was the cause of his drowning, 
for he was known to be an expert swimmer. 

Carpenter was killed at the battle of Stone River. 
I saw him a few moments before he lost his life. He 
had his regiment, or battalion, drawn up immediately 
in the rear of a battery. He was not in my com- 
mand, but I said to him, " Carpenter, why do you not 
post your regiment on the flanks of the battery ? Do 



8o A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

you not see that every shot fired at the battery will 
kill some of your men, whose lives might be saved by 
a judicious posting of them?" He replied, *' I was 
sent to support this battery, and must do it." I did 
not have time to explain that, in my opinion, the sup- 
ports of a battery should be on the flanks, to operate 
readily upon any charging column, before he received 
a fatal shot. He was a brave officer, and did his duty 
as he construed it, but, in my opinion, needlessly sacri- 
ficed his own life. 

Among the lieutenants at the post I recall Huston, 
Underwood, Barton, and Reynolds. Huston attained 
the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and died a few years 
since. Underwood died before the war. Barton and 
Reynolds resigned and entered the Southern army, 
and both became general officers. Barton, one of the 
best friends I ever had, resides in Fredericksburg, 
Virginia, and Reynolds at some point in Missouri. 

The death of Lieutenant Denman, previously re- 
ferred to, caused a vacancy in the regimental stafi", — 
that of adjutant, — and I was appointed to fill it. This 
appointment gratified me very much, for, aside from 
the compliment it conveyed, it increased my pay, and 
for these and other reasons I was more than thankful 
to Colonel Bainbridge, who conferred it. I entered 
upon the duty at once, and if I failed to make an ef- 
ficient adjutant, it was not for want of strict attention 
to my duties and an earnest desire to be the friendly 
medium between the regimental commander and the 
officers of his regiment. 

On taking possession of the office, I found Sergeant 
John Mills one of the principal musicians. His enlist- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 8 1 

ment expired soon thereafter, and on re-enlisting him 
I found that he had served continuously for fifty years, 
being by far the oldest man in the regiment. He had 
seen the officers of the reg-iment chang-ed throughout 
several times. So dignified was he that the soldiers 
always spoke of him as " Major Mills." Age had al- 
ready impaired his physical energies to such an extent 
as to unfit him for the performance of his duty. With 
the consent of the regimental commander I told him 
that I would excuse him from all duty except such as 
he felt perfectly able to perform. At first he gave up 
attending reveille, then tattoo, and finally instruction to 
the drummers and fifers. After the passage of the 
law creating the retired-list he was appointed second 
lieutenant and placed thereon. 

This gave him a competency, and his last days were 
passed in comfort, peace, and quiet. He was not mar- 
ried, and, as far as I know, had no friends dependent 
upon him. His life was so simple, so dignified, and 
proper, that he had the respect of every member of 
the regiment. He died during the war, at the ripe 
^old age of ninety years or thereabouts, thus severing 
the link which bound the rising generation to one long 
passed away. 

The country around Fort Terrett abounded with 
game, such as turkeys, before referred to, deer, ante- 
lope, and bear, a sure indication that the Indians had 
not been in the habit of frequenting that region. 
Wherever they go they kill or scare away the game. 

The panther is common to the hills of that district 
of country, and they know how to subsist themselves 
without much effort. Deer and antelope, as a general 



82 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

thing, get drinking-water at about the same place 
every day, and in going to and from the water gener- 
ally follow the same trail. The panther conceals him- 
self at some point on the trail near the water, and 
when the unsuspecting deer or antelope comes within 
his reach he springs upon it, and there is no escape. 
He drags the carcass off, eats all he desires, and con- 
ceals the remainder, to be devoured when hunger over- 
takes him. The panther never kills for the amusement 
it furnishes, but only for the food he craves at the time. 
Once, while on a scout, I came upon the carcass of a 
deer still warm which had been killed by a panther, 
and although diligent search was made for the beast 
by forty or more men, he eluded us and made good his 
escape. 

Once, when out in search of marauding Indians, I 
encamped on a sluggish stream skirted with timber., 
I permitted two of my men to go out hunting, hoping 
that they might kill some game, and thus relieve us for 
a while from the use of salt meat. After going some 
distance they separated. One of the men becoming 
weary lay down under a tree to rest, and on looking up 
he saw an immense panther on a limb above him. It 
was preparing to spring. A moment more and he 
expected to be devoured. Suddenly a shot was fired, 
and down fell the beast to the ground. It appeared 
that the other soldier, not knowing where his friend 
was, happened to look up and saw the panther pre- 
paring to spring. Taking good aim he fired, the ball 
passing through the heart, and the monster died 
instandy. Thus was saved the life of one soldier, and 
possibly both. It was the largest one I ever saw. I 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 83 

gave one of Its claws to General Albert Sidney John- 
ston, and asked him to carry it " for luck." He did so 
for several years to my knowledge, and I doubt not he 
had it in his pocket when he fell on the field of Shiloh, 
The utter folly involved in the establishment of Fort 
Terrett was discovered, and its abandonment ordered 
in September, 1853, the troops composing the garrison 
beino- returned to the Rio Grande. Reo^imental head- 
quarters were established at Fort Duncan. Trans- 
portation was furnished for the movement, and the 
command marched by the way of San Antonio. In 
changing posts there is always inconvenience to the 
ladies, as often they have to be crowded into the pub- 
lic ambulances. To avoid this I always owned a pri- 
vate conveyance, so, when a movement was ordered, I 
was always ready to transport my family without any 
annoyance whatever. While on the march my wife 
and our child, only six months old, together with the 
nurse, occupied a tent, while I occupied the ambulance 
as a sleeping-apartment. A storm arose one night, 
the rain descended in torrents, the winds howled, the 
tent blew over, and there mv wife sat in the merciless 
storm, protecting with her body the little boy to save 
him from drowning. I knew nothing of this until the 
storm subsided, when I had a large fire built to dry 
out our worldly goods, all of which were as wet as if 
they had been submerged in the river for a week. By 
the time the command was ready to go forward we 
were prepared to move with it. In due time we 
reached our destination. 



84 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER VII. 

Return to Fort Duncan — Lieutenant P. H. Sheridan — Lieutenant 
W. B. Lane and Family — Hail-Storm — Appointed to Second 
Cavalry — Organization of Regiment — Colonel Bainbridge's Or- 
der — Regimental Quartermaster Second Cavalry — At Jefferson 
Barracks — Ladies' Styles changed — Short in Property Account. 

I FOUND Fort Duncan about the same as when I left 
it before, possibly a little more dilapidated. The old 
quarters were rapidly going to decay, and no new ones 
had been constructed. Now there were ten compa- 
nies at the post, eight of infantry, one of artillery, and 
one of mounted rifles. The artillery company was 
commanded by Captain J. B. Ricketts, who subse- 
quently became a distinguished general officer in the 
Army of the Potomac, where he lost a leg while gal- 
lantly leading his command into one of the many bat- 
tles in which he participated. At present he is on the 
retired list of the army. Lieutenant H. E, Maynadier 
was a lieutenant in his company. The company of 
mounted rifles was commanded by Captain John G. 
Walker, who subsequently joined the forces of the 
South and rose to the rank of major-general. Lieu- 
tenants E. A. Carr and W. M. Davant were on duty 
with that company. Carr was a gallant brigadier- 
general in the Union army, and did good service 
throughout the war. Davant, in attempting to ford 
the Rio Grande on horseback, was carried away 
by the treacherous current and drowned October 
I, 1855. ^^ ^^^ j^'^^ from West Point, and a 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



85 



young officer of great promise. Surgeon George E. 
Cooper was the medical officer at the post, and a very 
successful practitioner. Every one had great confi- 
dence in his ability, and felt sure that in case of sick- 
ness they would have the very best attention. This 
was the largest command with which I had ever served. 
Lieutenant Philip H. Sheridan was at the post, and was 
an active, enterprising young officer, prompt in the 
discharge of his duty, always ready for any under- 
taking that promised adventure, but if any one had 
been called upon to select from the lieutenants at the 
post the future lieutenant-general of the army, I doubt 
if he would have been chosen in preference to any one 
of the dozen lieutenants at Fort Duncan, No one saw 
in the modest lieutenant the future able and gallant 
leader which he proved himself to be when the time 
came for him to show his mettle and his manhood. 

Men who never reach the summit of their professions 
always claim a want of opportunities as an excuse, 
Sheridan made his opportunities as he went along. He 
did not wait for something to turn up, but he turned up 
something every day, I remember him as a commander 
of a division in the same corps. When we would reach 
camp he would give his personal attention to locating 
his troops ; then, mounting his horse, he would be off 
for the surrounding hills to view the country and famil- 
iarize himself with the neighborhood roads, etc. He 
rarely ever returned before dark, and when he retired 
for the night was well informed in regard to the posi- 
tion of the enemy and the avenues by which he could 
be reached. It was this habit that made him ever ready 
to fight a battle or pursue a fleeing foe. 



86 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

Knowing the scarcity of accommodations at Fort 
Duncan, and tlie certainty that my rank would only 
entitle me to a place under some mesquite-tree, I pro- 
cured a hospital tent, for which I gave my official re- 
ceipt. I had this tent pitched over a frame, a fire- 
place built, and stretching our ever-useful curtain to 
divide the space into two rooms, we had reasonably 
good quarters, which could not be taken by any officer 
senior in rank. Now, when I recall the miserable hovel 
in which we lived, I am forced to the belief that happi- 
ness is relative, — that is, if we are as well off as our 
neighbors, if we live in as good quarters and wear as 
fine apparel as they do, then we are happy and con- 
tented. But if our neighbors dress in purple and fine 
linen and live in large, handsome houses, and we can- 
not do so, then it is that poverty becomes painfully 
apparent, and envy and jealousy entering into our 
hearts make us dissatisfied with our lot and therefore 
unhappy. We never care for a luxury until we see 
some one else with it. I recall the fact that we were 
happy and contented, and the further fact that our ac- 
commodations were as grood as those of our neiohbors. 
During the summer Captain W. B. Lane and family 
came to our post, and we invited them to accept our 
hospitality. I had a wall-tent pitched near my own, 
which they occupied at night. In all other respects 
we could easily accommodate them. They were agree- 
able people, and we enjoyed their visit, although we 
regretted our inability to do more for them. A short 
time since I met Lane, who is now colonel, and his 
wife in Washington, and they referred to our " kind 
hospitality which they could never forget." I mention 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



87 



this little incident in verification of what I have already 
said, that all matters of this kind are relative. They 
got the best we had and the best they could get at the 
post, and they were contented and happy. These good 
people were a source of great pleasure to us, and we 
enjoyed their brief stay very much, breaking, as it did, 
the indescribable monotony of garrison life. On a cer- 
tain occasion we had invited a number of friends to 
dine with us on the following day. In the afternoon 
a severe hail-storm passed over the post. My wife 
had the servants out at once to gather up as much of 
the hail as possible. This she had tenderly cared for, 
and on the following day placed ice-cream before our 
guests, probably the first ever made in that part of 
Texas, certainly the first I had ever seen in the State. 

Winter with its chilling blasts was soon upon us, 
and then for long weary months we had to endure the 
dust and the heart-chilling northers. 

As for promotion, the future looked dull and dreary. 
I had then occupied the position of senior second lieu- 
tenant about two years with no prospect for promotion. 
Officers rarely ever died, and none felt that the gov- 
ernment could gret aloncr without them, and hence 
there were no resio^nations. Durino- the session of 
Conofress that winter a bill was introduced to increase 
the army by two regiments of cavalry and two of in- 
fantry. I doubted if the bill would pass, and if it did 
pass, I had no political influence to bring to bear to 
secure advancement. My friends were not the politi- 
cal friends of the administration, and I did not even 
apply through the official channels for promotion. 
Hence I expected nothing, but to follow along in the 



88 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

same old dusty trail which I had been following for 
six years. 

The mail arrived at the post every Thursday after- 
noon. The officers were generally at the post-office 
waiting for it. A letter was handed to me from the 
War Department, which I hastily opened, and it read 

as follows : 

War Department, 

March 20, 1855. 
Sir: 

You are hereby informed that the President of the United States 
has appointed you First Lieutenant in the Second Regiment of 
"Cavalry" (authorized by the Act approved March 3, 1855, sec- 
tion 8) in the service of the United States, to rank as such from 
the third day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five. 
You will, immediately on receipt hereof, please to communicate 
to this Department, through the Adjutant-General's Office, your 
acceptance or non-acceptance of said appointment ; and, in case 
of accepting, you will receive further instructions from the Adju- 
tant-General of the Army. 

Jeffer. Davis, 
Secretary of War. 
To First Lieutenant Richard W. Johnson, 

Second Regiment of Cavalry, 
Fort Duncan, Eagle Pass, Texas. 

Accompanying this letter was the following order : 

War Department, Adjutant-General's Office, 
Washington, March 26, 1855. 
General Orders, No. 4. 

L Organization of the four regiments added to the military es- 
tablishment by the 8th section of the Act, "making appropriations 
for the support of the Army for the year ending the thirtieth of 
June, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, and for other pur- 
poses," approved March 3, 1855 ; and order of precedence and 
relative rank of the officers of each grade, as fixed by the War 
Department. All the officers will take rank in their respective 
grades from March 3, 1855. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 89 

SECOND REGIMENT OF CAVALRY. 



No. 



3 

6 

10 

15 
20 
21 

23 
24 
29 
39 



3 
6 
II 
16 
18 
21 

25 
29 

33 
37 



Names and Rank. 



Colonel. 
Albert S. Johnston 

Lieut.- Col. 
Robert E. Lee 

Majors. 

William J. Hardee 

William H. Emory 

Captains. 

Earl Van Dorn 

Edmund K. Smith 

James Oakes 

Innis N. Palmer 

George Stoneman, Jr.. 

Theodore O'Hara 

William R. Bradfute.. 

Charles E. Travis 

Albert G. Brackett 

Charles J. Whiting.... 

1st Lieuts. 

Nathan G. Evans 

Richard W. Johnson.. 
Joseph H. Mc Arthur.. 

Charles W. Field 

Kenner Garrard 

Walter H. Jenifer 

William B. Royall 

Alexander H. Cross... 
William P. Chamhliss 
Robert Nelson Eagle.. 

2d Lieuts. 

John T. Shaaf 

George B. Cosby 

George B. Anderson.. 

Nelson B. Sweitzer 

William W. Lowe 

Edwin R. Meriitield.. 

George Hartwell 

Joseph Minter 

Charles W. Phifer 

Robert C. Wood, Jr..., 



Co. 



Brevets and former 
Commissions. 



Col. bvt., 13 Sept., '47. 



Lt.-col. bvt., 20 Aug., '47 
Maj. bvt., 9 Jan., '47. 



Maj. bvt., 20 Aug., '47. 
Capt. bvt., 20 Aug., '47. 
Capt. bvt., 8 Sept., '47. 
Capt. bvt., 13 Sept., '47. 



Bvt., I July, '51. 
Bvt., I July, '52. 
Bvt., I July, '52. 
Bvt., I July, '53. 
Bvt., I July, '53. 



Born in. 


App't'd 
from. 


Ky. 


Texas. 


Va. 


Va. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Md. 


Md. 


Miss. 


Miss. 


Fla. 


Fla. 


Pa. 


Pa. 


N. Y. 


N. Y. 


N.Y. 


N. Y. 


Ky. 


Ky. 
Tenn. 




Texas. 




Ind. 




Cal. 


S. C. 


S. C. 


Ky. 

Mo. 


Ky. 
Mo. 


Ky. 

Ky. 
Md. 


Ky. 

Ohio. 
Md. 




Mo. 


D. C. 


D. C. 




Tenn. 




Texas. 


D. C. 


D. C. 


Ky. 

N. C. 


Ky. 

N. C. 


Pa. 


Pa. 


Ind. 


Iowa. 




Mich. 




Wis. 




W. T. 


Tenn. 


Miss. 


Min. 


La. 



go A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

******** 

II. The relative rank of the First and Second Lieutenants of the 
four additional regiments is indicated by the number prefixed to 
the name in each grade respectively. 

III. The two regiments of Cavalry will be regarded as a distinct 
arm, and promotions therein be regulated accordingly. . . . 

IV. The foregoing assignment of the subalterns to companies is 
intended only as a temporary arrangement. The Colonels will 
make any changes therein which they may deem conducive to the 
interests of their regiments. 

V. The Headquarters of the . . . Second Regiment of Cavalry 
will be established at Louisville, Kentucky. . . . The recruit- 
ing for the new regiments will be conducted under the super- 
intendence of their Colonels, to whom all the officers appointed 
will, accordingly, immediately report, by letter, giving their ad- 
dress, and suggesting the places in the neighborhood where recruit- 
ing rendezvous could probably be opened to the best advantage. 

VI. The four additional regiments will be uniformed and equipped 
as follows : 

I. The ist and 2d regiments of Cavalry as the present regiments 

of Dragoons, except the trimmings of the cap and coat, which will 

be yellow instead of orange. 

******** 

By order of the Secretary of War. 

(Sgd.) S. Cooper, 

Adjutant- General. 

On receipt of the foregoing orders I gave up the 
position of adjutant, recommending as my successor 
my friend Lieutenant Seth M. Barton, who was duly 
appointed. The post commander issued the following 

order : 

Headquarters First Infantry, 

Fort Duncan, Texas. 
Orders, ist May, 1855. 

No. 23. 

I. Lieut. R. W. Johnson having this day relinquished the duties 
of Adjutant of the regiment, it is with pride and much pleasure that 



IN PEACE AND WAR. gi 

the Comm*^^. Officer tenders to him his acknowledgments for the 
correct manner he has performed the duties of staff officer, as well 
as for his exemplary conduct and uniform gentlemanly deportment 
towards all with whom he has had ofificial intercourse. Altho' it is 
to be regretted that the services of Lt. Johnson are lost to this 
regiment, nevertheless, the commanding officer congratulates him 
on his advanced promotion in a new corps, and extends to him his 
best wishes for his future military and social prosperity. 

II. Until orders arrive withdrawing Lt. Johnson from this post, 
he will perform the duties of Ordnance Officer under the command- 
ing officer. H. Bainbridge, 

Lt. Col. \st Inft., 

Conimdg. 

My unlooked-for advancement was a source of great 
gratification, as it opened up a new life for me. Under 
the old order of things I hardly hoped to be a captain 
before I was fifty years old ; now it seemed almost 
within my grasp. Among so many captains ahead of 
me, taken from the walks of civil life, surely two would 
find the service distasteful to them within a year or so 
and resign. In this event I would be a captain before 
I was thirty years of age. 

A few days after the receipt of the notice of my ap- 
pointment I received an order to proceed to Louisville, 
Kentucky, and report in person to Colonel Albert Sid- 
ney Johnston. I left Fort Duncan with my family and 
proceeded to St. Louis, where I transferred its mem- 
bers to a small steamboat, the only size that could, on 
account of low water, reach St. Paul. Seeing them 
safely off, I proceeded to Louisville on the steamboat 
"Baltimore," My wife was sixteen days in reaching 
her friends in St. Paul ; the miserable little craft she 
was on broke some of its machinery every day, and at 



92 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



Rock Island it was drawn out on the dry-dock for re- 
pairs. 

I should mention that, having been on the frontier 
so long, the styles for ladies had undergone such a 
complete change that when we reached New Orleans 
my wife did not consider herself presentable in public. 
So, taking rooms at the St. Charles, we occupied them 
until the services of dress- and bonnet-makers had 
been secured. I could not imagine it possible for such 
changes in bonnets. The stylish bonnet she wore 
when we first went to Texas looked like a Conestoga 
wagon compared with the style of 1855, and the dresses 
— well, they bore no resemblance whatever to those 
worn when we went to the Texas frontier. 

I reported to Colonel Johnston on the i 2th day of 
June, and was tendered the position of regimental 
quartermaster, which I accepted with thanks, although 
I should have preferred the position of adjutant, with 
the duties of which office I was perfectly familiar. In 
an old regiment, where each officer knows his duties 
and his rights under the reofulations, a reo^^imental 
quartermaster can easily acquire a knowledge of his 
duties, but in this case I had to learn not only my own 
duties, but teach a good many others the duties de- 
volving upon them. In old regiments the officers and 
men know that the public property in the hands of the 
quartermaster has been receipted for, and that he is 
held individually, personally, and officially responsible 
for it, but where many of the officers and all the men 
are new and without experience, they seem to imagine 
that public property belongs to any one who can get 
possession of it. I had to be constantly on the alert, 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 93 

Otherwise I would have been lamentably behind when 
I had to account for the property for which I was re- 
sponsible. As men were enlisted for the regiment 
they were sent to Jefferson Barracks for instruction. 
I was ordered to take post at that place and not only 
perform the duties of quartermaster and commissary, 
but also those of depot quartermaster. In these latter 
duties I relieved Lieutenant O, H. P. Taylor, To go 
through all the property at that depot and count every 
article seemed to me to be almost an endless under- 
taking, but I went through all the store-rooms, with the 
exception of the upper story of one of the storehouses. 
I was informed that there was nothine on that floor 
except old-style clothing, which had been counted and 
carefully packed away many years before, and that it 
was not considered necessary to overhaul it ; that it 
had not been disturbed by the various quartermasters 
for ten years. I did not think that any one would care 
to purloin such old trash, and therefore I receipted to 
Taylor for it. Everything went along smoothly, but 
when the regiment was ordered away Lieutenant 
Charles H. Tyler was ordered to relieve me of the 
depot duties, who, from curiosity or prudential reasons, 
expressed a desire to look through the contents on 
that floor. Then it was that I found I had made a 
mistake, just such an one as Taylor had made, but he 
was lucky in not being responsible when the shortage 
was discovered. I could not ask for a board of survey 
to exonerate me, for I had been negligent of my duty, 
and hence I made the shortage eood. The loss was 
not great, but it taught me a lesson, which I ever re- 
membered, to receipt for iwthing that I did not see. 



94 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

Every young officer should bear this in mind, and 
govern himself accordingly. 

I believe that it was General D. E. Twiggs who 
said that a quartermaster had only two duties to per- 
form, — 

1, Make himself comfortable. 

2. Make every one else as uncomfortable as pos- 
sible. 

I think the officers of my old regiment would give 
me credit for doing all that I could for their comfort 
and that of their men. At all events, I am sure that I 
did not regard myself as the owner, in fee, of the prop- 
erty of the government placed in my possession for 
the use and benefit of the officers and soldiers of the 
regiment to which I belonged. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 95 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Purchase of Horses — Mounting an Unbroken Horse — Ben McCul- 
]och — Death of Lieutenant Witherell — Frightful Wound — Cap- 
tain Chambliss — Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel W. J. Hardee — 
Regiment ordered to Texas — Lieutenant C. W. Field — Bad Roads 
— Sick — Fording Canadian — Captain Bradfute and " Bow-Legs" 
— Lunch at Fort Washita — Horse Race — My Wife's Stove — Cap- 
tain C. J. Whiting — Arrival at Fort Belknap — Loss of a Fine 
Horse — At Fort Mason — Out of Bread — No Quarters — Posts of 
Companies — Captain at Last. 

The colonel of the Second Cavalry was authorized 
to send a board, composed of his own officers, to Ken- 
tucky and elsewhere to purchase horses. No limit 
was placed on the price to be paid, and the result was 
that no regiment in the army ever had such a magnifi- 
cent mount. The very best horses were purchased, 
and, after all, they are the cheapest, for a first-class 
horse will last longer and do more hard work than 
those purchased by the quartermaster's department 
at a fixed price. The board was composed of expe- 
rienced officers who had long served in the old dra- 
goons, and they knew good horses when they saw 
them and bought no inferior ones. The company to 
which I succeeded as captain was furnished with 
eighty-five of these fine Kentucky horses ; and after 
constant service for six years forty-four of them were 
serviceable when General Twiggs surrendered the 
troops in 1861. When these horses were received at 



96 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

Jefferson Barracks I had to receipt and be responsible 
for them, and for their care until they were assigned 
to the companies. Once, on going out to the picket- 
line, I noticed two soldiers, both Irishmen, doing some- 
thinof with one of the horses. I halted to see what 
they were trying to do. It seems that the horse was 
wild and would not stand to be mounted. They cov- 
ered his head with a blanket and tried and failed. 
One of the men stepped up on the body of a large 
tree, which had been felled, and instructed the other 
to back the horse up to him, when he would place his 
hands on the croup and spring into position. This 
was successful. The man who held the horse said, 
" By the Holy Moses, I never saw a man get on a 
horse that way befoour." The other replied, " Go way, 
you fool, I did not get on him ' befoour' ; I got on him 
behind." And so he did. 

Ben McCulloch, of Texas, was appointed major of 
the First Cavalry and Captain W. H. Emory major 
of the Second. McCulloch had a more exalted opinion 
of his military qualifications than the War Department. 
He felt aggrieved because he was not appointed to 
the command of one of these regiments, and would 
not accept a majority. Emory was transferred from 
the Second to the First, and Captain George H. 
Thomas, of the Third Artillery, was appointed major 
and assigned to the Second Cavalry. Second Lieu- 
tenant Merrifield, of Michigan, declined to accept, and 
James B. Witherell, of the same State, was appointed 
in his stead. Several other changes were made before 
the regiment was thoroughly organized. Witherell 
was a promising young man, who lost his life by get- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



97 



tine out of his berth on one of the ^vM steamers 
while asleep and walking overboard. His body was 
never recovered. It is interesting to notice the com- 
position of the regiment as first made up. Of the 
officers, twenty-three were appointed from the South- 
ern and ten from the Northern States. It has been 
often asserted that this was done purposely by Mr. 
Jefferson Davis, the Secretary of War, expecting that 
at the proper time the regiment would go as an or- 
ganization to the Confederate army. This was six 
years before the beginning of the war, and a little too 
early for any one to predict with any degree of cer- 
tainty the supreme folly of a war between the sections. 
Southern and Western men are accustomed to horse- 
back riding, and the War Department evidently acted 
upon the thought that better cavalrymen could be pro- 
cured from those two sections. The Northern States, 
if memory serves me correctly, had a majority of the 
officers in the two infantry regiments organized at the 
same time. Fifteen of the original appointments from 
the South became general officers in the Confederate 
army, and the regiment furnished the Union army with 
seven, two of whom were from the South, — George 
H. Thomas and myself. Four others — McArthur, 
Royall, Chambliss, and Eagle — were from the South 
and were gallant and faithful soldiers, two of whom — 
Royall and Chambliss — ought to have been appointed 
general officers. Mc Arthur's health failed early in the 
war, and Eagle resigned January, 1862. Now, of the 
twenty-three appointed from the South it is seen that 
six of them remained loyal to the United States gov- 
ernment. 



gS A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

Royall received a dangerous sabre-cut on die head 
which came near terminating his Hfe. At the battle 
of Gaines' Mill, on the 27th day of June, 1862, Cham- 
bliss was wounded six times while gallantly leading 
his command in a charge, left on the field for dead, 
but throuofh the kindness of an old friend, General 
John B. Hood, was taken to Richmond and tenderly 
cared for until exchanged. His recovery was almost 
a miracle. One of his wounds was frightful. Few 
men have had his opportunities for investigating their 
own internal anatomy. 

Major Hardee (brevet lieutenant-colonel) was or- 
dered to take post at Jefferson Barracks to supervise 
the drilling of the officers and men of the regiment. 
He was thorough in his knowledge of the tactics, and 
seemed to take great delight in teaching others. A 
position under him was not a sinecure, for when the 
officers were not drilling their own troops he had 
officers' drill. Between drilling their companies, re- 
citing tactical lessons, or beinor drilled in the manual 
of the sabre and carbine, there was no leisure time 
for any one from reveille to tattoo. As quartermaster 
I was exempt from this class of duties, but preferred 
to take part in them so as to familiarize myself with 
the cavalry tactics. As soon as the regiment was fully 
organized, and the officers and men were reasonably 
well posted in their duties, we received the following 

order: 

Headquarters of the Army, 

New York, September 27, 1855. 
General Orders, 
No. 5. 
The following movement of troops will immediately be made : 



IN PEACE AND WAR. gg 

I. The Second Regiment of Cavalry at Jefferson Barracks will pro- 
ceed, by easy marches across the coimtry, to Fort Belknap, Texas, 
to be there disposed of by the Commanding General of the De- 
partment of Texas, who will make timely arrangements for stationing 
the regiment on its arrival within his command. The Command- 
ing General of the Department of the West will give the necessary 

orders for the march of the regiment to Fort Belknap. 

******** 

By command of Brevet Lieutenant-General Scott. 

(Sgd.) L. Thomas, 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 

I was required to make out a requisition for trans- 
portation for the regiment, and on the supposition that 
each company would have to take a supply of clothing, 
camp and garrison equipage, I estimated that it would 
require one hundred and twenty-nine six-mule teams 
for the use of the regiment and one ambulance to 
transport any sick we might have on the march. This 
requisition was approved by Colonel Johnston and for- 
warded for the approval of the War Department. The 
Secretary of War considered the estimate excessive 
and cut it down just one hundred wagons, or, in other 
words, allowed us twenty-nine wagons and one ambu- 
lance. All company property, the surplus baggage of 
the officers, and the company laundresses were sent 
by water to Indianola, Texas, and Lieutenant J. H. 
McArthur was placed in charge of this singular col- 
lection. Mules, wagons, and harness were supplied 
and the necessary teamsters detailed from the com- 
panies, to whom was issued a complete outfit. All 
things being in readiness, the colonel issued his order 
for the movement to begin, and on the 27th day of 
October, 1855, the regiment started out on its long 



lOO A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

journey. The mules were young and unbroken to a 
great extent, and consequently our progress was neces- 
sarily slow. Duty generally required me with the train, 
so Lieutenant C W. Field was detailed to go ahead 
each day, select a proper camping-ground, and provide 
forage. This duty he always performed satisfactorily 
to the regimental commander, as he never failed to 
have the forage on the ground by the time the troops 
arrived. 

The rainy season was upon us and the roads became 
fearfully heavy, so that often I could not get the train 
in before dark, although the teams belonging to the 
headquarters, which always went at the head of the 
train, generally reached camp with the column. Four 
ladies accompanied their husbands on this march, being 
the wives of Colonel Johnston, Captain Oakes, Captain 
Palmer, and my own. Each lady was furnished by her 
husband with a carriage-ambulance, conveniently con- 
structed so that the seats and their backs, when laid 
down, formed a good bed upon which to sleep, if the 
non-arrival of the teams made it necessary. When I 
recall the difficulty we had in getting twenty-nine 
wagons along, I can see the great wisdom in reducing 
my estimate. The trip was made in two months, and 
if we had a train of one hundred and twenty-nine 
wagons it would have required twice that length of 
time. At some time during the night I always suc- 
ceeded in getting the train up, with one exception, and 
on that occasion the teams were mired, the wagons 
were down to the hubs, the night was dark, and it was 
just simply impossible to move. I directed the team- 
sters to unharness, feed, and encamp for the night. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. loi 

I rode forward to camp and reported to Colonel John- 
ston. Next morning, at six o'clock, he called at my 
tent to instruct me to return and hasten the train for- 
ward. My wife informed him that I had gone back at 
three o'clock. After that he never thought it neces- 
sary to give himself any concern in regard to the duties 
devolving upon me. 

By nine o'clock I had every team in camp, where we 
remained all day to rest the mules, so that they would 
be better able to continue the march the following day. 
When I recall the hardships, vexations, and annoyances 
which I had to endure and overcome, I pity a quarter- 
master who has to conduct a larofe train throuoh a 
country so much of which is underlaid with quicksand. 
For the first month out it rained almost every day, 
and I was wet " to the skin" every time it rained. Ex- 
posure brought on sickness, and I continued to grow 
worse until finally I had to give up and take to my 
ambulance. I could not turn over my responsibility to 
any one on the march, so I asked that Lieutenant N. G. 
Evans mio-ht be detailed to assist me. I grave him the 
key to the safe and he disbursed the money and took 
charge of all of my duties. I was so sick that it was 
thought advisable to leave me at some frontier town 
in Missouri. To this I would not consent, preferring 
to accompany the regiment to being left to the care 
of some country physician. With the seats laid down 
I occupied one side of the ambulance and my wife and 
two little boys occupied the other. With careful nurs- 
ing I soon began to improve, and finally resumed my 
proper duties. I found that Evans had been remark- 
ably careful in his disbursements, as I knew he would 



I02 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

be, and my cash balanced to a cent, while all the prop- 
erty for which I was responsible was duly accounted 
for. I knew Evans well, and was never associated 
with a more honorable, companionable gentleman. 
He died since the war in South Carolina, his native 
State. 

One night the regiment encamped on the Canadian 
River, and Colonel Johnston directed Captain Bradfute 
to accompany me in search of a crossing-place for the 
command. The water was not deep anywhere, but the 
river was wide, and there were quicksands in the bot- 
tom. In crossing such a stream it must be done in a 
hurry, for if there is a halt the horses go down at once. 
We found what we took to be a splendid ford, and on 
the following morning, when we pulled out of camp, 
Bradfute, mounted on his favorite horse, " Bow-Legs," 
conducted the head of the column to the proper place. 
When he reached the river " Bow-Legs" refused to 
enter. Closing the spurs upon him, he plunged in 
and went out of sight, but soon came to the surface 
and swam to the shore. In passing over that place 
the evening before, the movements of the feet of our 
horses had put the sand in motion, and the result was 
the formation of a deep hole where shallow water 
previously existed. 

In crossing this stream many buffaloes have lost 
their lives. If they ever stopped to drink — and many 
would do so — the sands would wash from under them, 
and they would sink so deep that they could not extri- 
cate themselves, and would of course die of starvation. 
As far as we could see above and below our crossing, 
which was safely effected, the bleach.ed bones of the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 103 

head with horns attached were to be seen in great 
numbers. 

We had to pass through Fort Washita, and the ex- 
act time of our arrival was known, so Mr. Samuel 
Humes, the post-sutler, had a bountiful repast in readi- 
ness for the officers of the regiment, to which he had 
invited the officers of the orarrison and the visiting offi- 
cers who were there in attendance upon the sessions 
of a general court-martial. There must have been 
fifty officers to partake of his hospitality on that day. 
Many of these officers I had known before, and when 
the champagne began to flow a more jolly set of fel- 
lows I do not remember to have ever seen. I do not 
wish to be understood as saying that there was an ex- 
cessive use of champagne, for such was not the case, 
but sparkling wine always develops wit and good 
humor among gentlemen. 

With cavalrymen a discussion in regard to the fleet- 
ness of the horse is always in order, Evans had a 
thoroughbred Glencoe colt, which he named "Bumble- 
Bee." He had purchased him from a fine stable in 
Kentucky, and always boasted that he could outrun 
any horse in the regiment, or the picked horse at Fort 
Washita, a proposition that any one would accept in 
regard to the Washita horses, as there were none at 
the post except those belonging to a light battery. It 
should be remembered that horses for artillery pur- 
poses are selected more for their fitness as draught 
animals than for the turf. Lieutenant O. D. Greene 
(now general) became somewhat annoyed at Evans's 
boasting and bragging, and he offered to run a battery 
horse against his celebrated charger. The race was 



I04 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



made up, conditioned that each officer should ride his 
own horse. The word go was given, and " Bumble- 
Bee" dashed forward like the wind, and, of course, won 
the race, as every one supposed he would. I have 
always admired Greene's pluck in not allowing Evans 
to OTQ unchallenoed. 

We passed a few days at the fort, and then reluc- 
tantly bade the good fellows good-by, and resumed 
our march. On the evening of December 23 we en- 
camped on a beautiful prairie. The air was as soft and 
balmy as spring. Our tent was pitched to the north 
to catch any cooling breezes coming from that quarter. 
During the night a norther came upon us, and it was 
the severest one I had ever witnessed. Water froze 
in our tents. So intense was the cold and so fierce 
the wind that Colonel Johnston determined not to 
move forward on the following day. My wife and 
children remained in bed as the only place where they 
could be at all comfortable, while the cook and myself 
attempted to get breakfast. About noon there was a 
lull in the storm, and I had the tent repitched, facing 
southerly. 

On the following morning it was "bitter cold," but 
the command moved out and made a short day's 
march. On the 27th day of December we reached 
Fort Belknap, having been just two months on the 
march. Here we encamped in the brush without suf- 
ficient fuel, and the suffering was very great, not only 
with the men, but with our animals. I had a very fine 
horse which was tied to a small sapling near my tent. 
In his frantic endeavor to find the warm side of that 
bush he kept going around it, winding up the halter- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



105 



Strap, until he could go no farther ; then in his strug- 
gles to free himself he broke his neck. He was an 
unusually fast walker, being able to walk five miles an 
hour. I felt his loss very keenly, for I could not re- 
place him at any price. 

My wife, who was a good campaigner, conceived the 
idea before we left Jefferson Barracks that a small 
sheet-iron stove could be used advantageously on the 
march, and while I did not think favorably of it, yet I 
had one made according to her instructions. We 
would set it up inside of the tent and put the pipe 
out in front near the front tent-pole. This was really 
a great comfort, although the front of the tent had to 
be kept open. On one occasion Captain C. J. Whiting 
made us a visit, and suggested an improvement. It 
was to rip a seam of the tent about eight inches and 
open it as wide as possible, stitch a tin plate to the 
tent, so as to cover the opening, and then make a 
round hole in the centre of it just large enough for the 
stove-pipe. He did it himself, and after that we got 
the full benefit of the radiating surface of the little 
stove. With dry wood we could make it red hot in a 
few moments, and when we were about to break camp 
it was taken out first and emptied, and by the time the 
tent was taken down and rolled up the little heater 
would be cold enough to pack in the wagon. Her 
pocket stove, as I termed it, was afterwards imitated, 
and became very popular in the regiment. 

A few days after the regiment arrived at Fort Bel- 
knap an order was received from the headquarters of 
the Department of Texas, directing the colonel to send 
Major Hardee with four companies to establish a camp 



I06 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

near the Indian reservation on the Clear Fork of the 
Brazos, and to proceed with the remaining six com- 
panies to old Fort Mason, Hardee arrived at his 
post January 3, and the colonel, with the six companies, 
reached Fort Mason on the 14th. With the timely 
notice given to the department commander, it was 
reasonable to suppose that we would find provisions 
and stores at Fort Mason, but such was not the case. 
The only bread that the officers and troops could get 
was made of corn crushed in a mortar. Such food, in 
time of war, is admissible, but in a time of profound 
peace such culpable neglect should have secured the 
punishment by court-martial of the guilty party. This 
condition of things continued to exist until the already 
jaded teams were despatched to San Antonio. In due 
time they returned, freighted with provisions, and 
about the same time a wagon-train arrived, bringing 
up the company property which had been sent from 
Jefferson Barracks. 

There were not sufficient quarters at Fort Mason 
for the officers and the troops. Colonel Johnston took 
possession of a building, being two rooms connected 
by a covered way between them, but was too unselfish 
to occupy the entire building. He kindly asked me to 
occupy one of the rooms with my family. The passage- 
way between his apartments and mine was used in 
common, as we entered our respective rooms from it. 
It occurred to him that if the passage-way was closed 
in it would give him another room, and he directed me 
to have it done. It did not occur to him then, and 
probably never did, that the closing up of the passage- 
way would compel me to egress and ingress through 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



107 



a window. I soon had this, however, converted into 
a door, and enclosed the back porch for a dining- 
room. The front room we used for a bed-chamber, 
parlor, and library all combined, and while the ac- 
commodations were decidedly limited, yet they were 
so far superior to anything we had had since leaving 
Jefferson Barracks that we felt quite comfortable in- 
deed. 

While the march to this post had veteranized both 
officers and men, Colonel Johnston never allowed a 
day to pass at Fort Mason that the companies were 
not out for drill. Soon scouting-parties were sent out 
at regular intervals, so that a company or detachment 
was absent all the time. Some of these commands 
overtook roving bands of Indians, and never failed to 
punish them severely. All the officers were young 
and ambitious, and the enterprise and energy dis- 
played by them soon established a fine name for the 
regiment, and convinced the Indians that they could 
not depredate upon the people of the frontier with 
impunity. 

Colonel Johnston was placed in command of the 
Department of Texas on April i, 1856, and after that, 
I believe, he never served with his reg^iment. From 
commanding the Department of Texas he was assigned 
to the command of the Utah expedition, and subse- 
quently to that of the Department of California. 

He was one of the most unselfish men I ever knew, 
and one of the most just and considerate to those 
under his command. The officers of the regiment not 
only respected but loved him. His desire to make the 
Second Cavalry the finest regiment in the army was 



io8 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

seconded by every officer of whatever rank under his 
command. 

For the better protection of the frontier the com- 
panies of the regiment were distributed, about June, to 
various parts of the State, as follows : Companies A 
(Van Dorn's) and F (O'Hara's) were detached to 
form a camp near the Colorado River. Companies B 
(E. K. Smith's) and G (Bradfute's) were to remain at 
Fort Mason. Company C (Oake's) was ordered to 
Fort Clark. Company D (Palmer's) to Camp Verde, 
Company K (Whiting's) to Fort Inge, and Company I 
(Brackett's) to Camp Sabinal. The regimental head- 
quarters remained at Fort Mason. With such a small 
command, the duties imposed upon the regimental 
quartermaster were very light. Some time in August 
Captain O'Hara, of Company F, sent in his resigna- 
tion, to take effect December i. On that date, there- 
fore, I was entitled to promotion, Evans having been 
promoted by the resignation of Captain Travis. On 
September 30 I forwarded my resignation as regi- 
mental quartermaster, so as to be able to transfer all 
public property in my possession, and make up all 
of my returns in time to permit me to assume com- 
mand of my company on the very day I was pro- 
moted. Lieutenant J. F. Minter succeeded me, and 
to him I transferred all my public responsibilities. 

Since my connection with the Second I had been 
little more than a wagon-master, employed to discharge 
duties which might have been performed by a citizen. 
When I laid aside the duties of that office, which I 
never liked, I felt as if I was entering the military ser- 
vice for the second time. I removed my family to 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



109 



Camp Colorado, and entered enthusiastically upon the 
legitimate duties of an officer and soldier. I had 
reached that rank which would ever exempt me from 
duty with mules, broken harness, and the accumulated 
trash and rubbish which drift into the storehouses in 
charge of a post quartermaster, 

I had been with my company only two weeks when 
Major Van Dorn ordered me to proceed on a scout to 
the head-waters of the North Concho, Rationing my 
command for twenty days, I moved out on the i8th. 
Lieutenant A. Parker Porter, who had just joined Van 
Dorn's company from West Point, was directed to ac- 
company me. Whenever Van Dorn sent a command 
out from his post, he invariably furnished the com- 
mander with a rough map of the country, drawn by 
himself, and with such notes as he thought might be of 
service. On this occasion I had such a map. About 
the place he indicated I struck the North Concho and 
then coursed up it. The weather was cold and the 
fuel scarce, only a light fringe of small growth of willow 
along the edge of the stream, I made short marches, 
and when we encamped for the night the men would 
catch the greatest quantity offish, more than sufficient 
for the use of the command. 

On December 21 I encamped about five miles from 
the head spring of the river. Up to this time no indi- 
cations of Indians had been seen, and I was about 
determined to retrace my steps, but, on looking at my 
little map, I found that Van Dorn had written around 
what represented the head spring, from which flowed 
the river, the words, " Big Indian fight." 

So I concluded to move on to that point. On near- 



no A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

ing the place I observed a large number of mules and 
ponies, and, moving the company so as to cut the In- 
dians off from their horses, we got in upon them before 
they knew anything about our advance. The animals 
were surrounded, and we proceeded to operate against 
the enemy, who had sought safety in a dense chaparral. 
Lieutenant A. P. Porter, with a part of the command, 
went on one side of the thicket, while I, with the other 
portion, went in on the other. We killed three out- 
right and mortally wounded others, who were carried 
off by their comrades, I lost two of my men, and cap- 
tured a Mexican who had been with the tribe from 
childhood. Gathering up the saddles and other prop- 
erty of any value, I started back by the way of Fort 
Chadbourne, where I lay by one day. The company 
had a splendid old soldier for first sergeant, but occa- 
sionally he would indulge his appetite for drink. On 
such occasions I tried not to see him. On the day the 
command moved homeward from Chadbourne, and 
while the column was in motion, he came to me and 
said, " Captain, don't you think I had better kill this 
captive, for he will certainly make his escape?" I asked 
him why he thought so, and he replied, " He has been 
looking around at the hills all day." I told him that I 
thought he would not escape, and that when I wanted 
him killed I would give the necessary orders. With 
our captive and captures we rode into the post and 
reported to Major Van Dorn, who was very profuse 
in his compliments to all engaged in this little affair. 
Lieutenant Porter behaved with great coolness. He 
was a gallant young officer, and had he not died of 
disease during the war would have made his mark. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. m 

This little affair was referred to by General Scott in 
orders as follows : 

Headquarters of the Army, 
New York, November 13, 1857. 

General Orders, 
No. 14. 

I. ... In announcing to the army the more recent combats 
with hostile Indians, in which the gallant conduct of the troops, 
under, in most cases, circumstances of great hardship and priva- 
tion, is entitled to high approbation, the General-in-Chief takes oc- 
casion to notice all those of a similar cliaracter, not mentioned in 
his general order, No. 4, of the current series, which have occurred 
since the beginning of last year, and to which, since the publica- 
tion of that order, his attention has been directed. They are too 
interesting to be omitted. 

In the order of time the cases are as follows : 

XVI. . . . December 22, 1856, Captain R. W. Johnson, with 
twenty-five men of Company F, accompanied by Second Lieuten- 
ant A. P. Porter, all of the Second Cavalry, after a march of seven 
days from Camp Colorado, Texas, came upon a part of Saneco's 
band of Comanche Indians, near the head of the main Concho, 
charged upon and drove them into the chaparral ; dismounted and 
followed them in, killing three, wounding three, and capturing 
thirty-four horses and all their camp equipage. In this sharp con- 
flict Bugler Campion and Private Lamb were killed by arrow-shots 
through the heart, and Sergeant Gardnier and Private McKim 
slightly wounded. 

By command of Brevet Lieutenant-General Scott, 

Irvin McDowell, 
Assistant Adjutant- Gene?-aL 



112 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER IX. 

John McLoughlin — Uncertain Habits — Trailing — Signs — Snakes, 
Owls, and Prairie Dogs — Happy Family — Sam Cherry — Lieu- 
tenant C. W. Phifer — Back to Fort Mason — Regiment ordered 
to Utah — Order countermanded — Brigham Young sends Salt to 
General A. S. Johnston — Johnston's Threat to hang next Man 
with Flag of Truce — Van Dorn's Wichita Expedition — Camp — 
Battle — Complimentary Orders. 

The government employed at our post a Delaware 
Indian, known by the name of John McLoughlin, as 
guide for scouting parties. He knew the country well 
and could always tell where water could be found, 
either from personal knowledge or instinct, and I 
could never tell which. A day or so before I would 
start out I would send him word, so that he could pre- 
pare his rations and arrange his toilet for twenty or 
thirty days. As soon as he received notice he would 
go on a private spree and be so drunk as to be unable 
to move out with the command, but he was sure to 
overtake it at the end of the second day's march. 
Noticing this to be his habit, I once said to him, " John, 
why do you always get drunk before starting on a 
scout?" He replied, "Maybe so for, captain, thirty 
days before I can get some more whiskily." He never 
carried any with him, and when he would overtake the 
command would be sober, and a more faithful guide I 
never knew. The great advantage of an Indian as a 
guide was found in his ability to follow a trail which to 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 113 

an inexperienced eye would never be discovered, or, 
if seen, soon lost. Indians, in travelling in war parties, 
never ride together, but scatter out so as to render 
their trail as indistinct as possible. In passing over 
rocky hills, where the hoofs of their ponies or mules 
make little or no impression, one unaccustomed to fol- 
lowing them would lose all trace of the trail they made. 
I never knew John to lose the trail, and he explained 
to me how he could not only follow it easily, but see the 
course of it some distance ahead. Getting down on 
the eround, he said, "You see here a stone which looks 
black ; now that stone has been turned over by the foot 
of a horse or mule. Had that surface always been 
uppermost, the rains would have washed it clean and 
the sun would have made it look bright and fair. Now 
look ahead and you can see a black line of stones," — 
which I could easily recognize when my attention was 
called to it. " Now look beyond the stones ; you see 
what appears to be a light streak in the grass. Some 
animal has passed along there, and his feet have turned 
the ofrass, and the underside looks lio-ht." This busi- 
ness he had made a study of, and I do not remember 
that he ever failed to find the last end of a trail, unless 
the Indians were too far ahead. When we would strike 
a trail he would say, " Indians passed three days," two 
days, or so many hours before. If they were several 
days ahead of us we rarely ever overtook them, un- 
less, in fancied security, they would stop to rest. John 
was a fine shot, and when he fired at a deer or ante- 
lope we were sure of fresh meat. When he brought 
a deer into camp he would cut off the head and neck 
and give the carcass to the troops. The head and 



114 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



neck he would skin, take out the eyes and remove the 
nostrils, then pass a small stick up the neck and into 
the head, build a large fire, and plant the other end of 
the stick in the ground near it, and as one side became 
cooked he would turn it, brino-ino- another surface to 
the fire. When the cooking process was complete he 
would take up the stick and remove away from the 
fire, stick it in the ground, sit down near it, and with 
his knife cut off pieces and begin to eat. When he 
had eaten all he wanted with his knife he would remove 
the front bone of the head and eat the brain. I ex- 
pressed a desire to dine with him when he killed the 
next deer, and he was very anxious that I should ; so 
in a few days I was informed that all things were ready 
for the feast. I do not think I ever enjoyed a dinner 
more than the one I took with this Indian. The meat 
taken from the neck was delicious, and the brain was 
food fit for a king. If a white man should kill a deer 
he would throw away just the part that this epicure of 
the forest and plain would prize more highly than any 
other part of the animal. He always slept near me. 
One night he was asleep. I awoke him and asked 
him to point to the north star, which he did with the 
accuracy of the magnetic needle. I laughed and said, 
"John, you are lost." He looked around to satisfy 
himself and remarked, "John no lost, but captain lost." 
I have heard of an Indian who could not find his 
tepee, and when asked if he was lost, replied, " Indian 
not lost, but tepee lost." 

For some superstitious reason Indians, generally, 
will not kill snakes. On scouts John was habitually 
near me, and if he saw one would invariably call my 



IN PEA CE AND WAR. 1 1 5 

attention to It. On one occasion he called, " For cap- 
tain, snattlesake." I went to him at once, and found 
one of the largest reptiles of the kind I had ever seen. 
It was lying coiled up and ready to spring. Stooping 
down, I discharged one of the barrels of my revolver, 
and the ball passed through each coil, making as many 
holes through it as there were coils. This reminds me 
of another snake-story. Captain R. S. Granger (now 
General Granger) and myself were out hunting one 
day while we were stationed at Fort Terrett, and as 
we were followine an old beaten buffalo-trail a rattle- 
snake passed across it just in front of us. Granger 
fired and cut the serpent into two parts, about equal 
in length. That portion to which the head was at- 
tached continued on, while the tail part remained in 
the path, and ratded with as much force and effect as 
if nothing had happened. 

Snakes of this kind exist in great numbers in Texas. 
It is not an unusual sight to see rattlesnakes, prairie- 
owls, and prairie-dogs occupy the same hole in the 
ground, and some have gone so far as to say that 
there exists perfect friendship between them. This I 
am inclined to doubt. My impression is that the 
snakes live on the young dogs, which are produced 
very rapidly, at least sufficiently so to furnish the 
snake with a comfortable living without the trouble of 
huntingf around for it. 

"As wise as a serpent" is a scriptural expression, 
and I believe the Texas ratdesnakes are wise enough 
not to disturb the old prairie-dogs, realizing the fact 
that they are the source whence comes their daily 
food. 



Il6 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

Under the tuition of John McLoughlin I learned to 
be a very good trailer myself, but there was one thing 
he could not teach me. He seemed to be able to de- 
termine the location of water by the general direction 
of the hills and the relation the valleys sustained 
towards them. This I could never do ; but he never 
failed. If I asked him how far it was to a water-hole, 
he had a habit of saying, " That depends for, Captain, 
how you go ; if you ride a lame mule, it is twenty 
miles ; if a good horse, it is only ten miles." His unit 
of measurement was time, not distance at all. At an- 
other post I had as a guide Sam Cherry, an American, 
who had passed the greater portion of his life on the 
frontier, and who, by the way, was a good trailer. I 
never heard Sam confess ignorance on any subject. 
He had an answer for any question propounded to 
him, whether it was on the ordinary affairs of life, or 
in the deep fields of science and philosophy. 

The Indians use the brain of an animal in tanning 
the skin. Just the effect of the one upon the other I 
did not know, so I asked Sam, and he gave me this 
very lucid explanation : 

" The tissues of the brain combined with the fatty 
substance of the hide forms a most searching com- 
pound, which cleanses and tans the skin thoroughly. 
The Indians use it without being able to account for it 
on scientific principles," continued Sam; "but I can 
never do anything without knowing the whys and the 
w^herefores, and hence I studied it out." Both of these 
guides were fine horsemen, and never seemed to 
weary in the saddle. Their endurance was simply 
wonderful, and their courage there were none to dis- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. ny 

pute. Lieutenant Phifer, a gallant and brave young 
officer of my company, went out from camp with John 
McLoughlin, in search of game. Not returning In 
time, a detachment was sent out to look for them. In 
the dim twilight Phifer discovered the party, and, sup- 
posing them Indians, turned to John and said, with a 
view of ascertaining if he could be relied on in an 
emergency, "John, fight or run ?" John replied, " Heap 
fight, Lieutenant." 

Rather than show the white feather, he was ready to 
make war against any number of hostiles. After that 
Phifer never doubted his courage or his loyalty. 

On February 22, 1857, my company (F) was ordered 
to march to, and take post at. Fort Mason. I arrived 
at the latter place on March i, following. On the i8th 
of May I was ordered out in search of any bands of 
Indians which might be prowling around the country. 
I was absent until June 14, having pursued a small 
war-party, but failed to overtake it. From September 
28 to October 28 I was engaged in like manner. 

On February 12, 1858, the post of my company was 
changed to Fort Belknap, where I arrived February 21. 

After Colonel Johnston reached the neighborhood 
of Salt Lake City, and assumed command of what was 
known as the Utah Expedition, he asked that his regi- 
ment might be sent to him. His request was granted, 
and the companies were concentrated at Fort Belknap 
preparatory to a long march for that remote region. 
Then there were no railroads, and all movements In 
that section of country had to be made by marching 
overland. The Mormons, finding a resolute, deter- 
mined man at the head of affairs, decided to relinquish 



ll8 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

their warlike attitude and sue for peace. In weakness 
the government yielded, and the necessity for the regi- 
ment in Utah ceased to exist ; the order was therefore 
countermanded, and the commanding general of the 
Department of Texas was instructed to dispose of it 
as he thought proper. The troops of the Utah Expe- 
dition passed the winter of 1857-58 at Fort Bridger, 
where, from the want of clothing suitable for the 
climate, and from insufficient rations, there was great 
suffering. The army was supplied with beef on the 
hoof, but there was no salt to be had. By flag of 
truce, Brigham Young sent Johnston a quantity of 
salt, but he returned it with the message, "If you 
dare to send another party to me under a flag of 
truce, I will hang the last one of them." 

There is an old Eastern custom by which salt is sent 
to an enemy as a peace offering, and it was doubtless 
in compliance with this custom that suggested it to 
Brigham Young ; but Johnston had no confidence in 
him, and feared that it might be a mean way of en- 
deavoring to poison his command, and rather than run 
any risk, he preferred his beef without salt. 

While the regiment was together. General Twiggs 
thought the occasion opportune to organize an expe- 
dition against the Northern Indians. Accordingly, 
Brevet Major Van Dorn was instructed to take com- 
mand of eight companies, and proceed to the Wichita 
country, establish a camp, and then operate against 
the Indians as he thought advisable. This command, 
of which my company was a part, marched from Fort 
Belknap on September 15, 1858, and arrived at or 
near the Wichita Mountains on September 23. A 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



119 



camp was established, to which Van Dorn gave the 
name of Camp Radziminski, in memory of an officer 
of our regiment of that name, who died of disease a 
short time before. 

Van Dorn at once sent out his Indian scouts to as- 
certain the location of any large or small bodies of 
hostile Indians. They returned in a few days with the 
information that a large camp of hostile Comanches 
had been discovered near Wichita village. " Boots 
and saddles" was sounded, and the command was off 
within an hour. General Twiggs, in general orders, 
said, — 

XVIII. October i, 1858. — Near the Wichita village, Brevet 
Major Van Dorn, captain Second Cavalry, commanding A, F, H, 
and K companies of his regiment, after a forced march of ninety 
miles in thirty-six hours, came, a little after daylight, upon the 
camp of the hostile Comanches, consisting of one hundred and 
twenty lodges, and between four and five hundred Indians. He 
immediately charged upon it, and after a most desperate struggle 
of an hour and a half, during which there were many bloody hand- 
to-hand conflicts, achieved a most decisive and important victory. 

Fifty-six Indians were left dead on the field ; one hundred and 
twenty lodges were burned ; over three hundred animals taken ; a 
large quantity of supplies appropriated or destroyed ; and the sur- 
viving Indians dispersed among the mountains in a destitute con- 
dition. 

With this victory, it is painful to record the death of Second 
Lieutenant Cornelius Van Camp, Second Cavalry, an active young 
officer of exceeding promise, once before named in this order for 
his gallantry, who was shot through the heart with an arrow while 
charging the enemy. 

Sergeant J. E. Garrison, of Company F; Privates Peter Magar 
and Jacob Echard, of Company H, were also killed. Private 
Henry Howard, of that company, missing; supposed to have been 
killed. 



I20 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

The following were wounded : 

Company A. — Brevet Major Van Dorn, severely, four wounds; 
Corporal Joseph P. Taylor, dangerously. 

Company H. — Private C. C. Alexander, severely; Sergeant C. 
B. McClellan, Corporal Bishop Gordon, and Bugler M. Aborgast, 
slightly. 

Company F. — Privates C. C. Emery and A. J. McNamara, se- 
verely, and W. Frank, slightly. 

Company K. — Private Smith Hinckley, slightly. 

The sutler, Mr. J. F. Ward, was slightly, and the special agent 
in charge of the friendly Indians, Mr. S. Ross, was severely 
wounded. They had volunteered for the expedition, and are de- 
serving of great praise for their gallantry in the action. 

The officers with Major Van Dorn were Captains Whiting, Evans, 
and Johnson ; Lieutenants Phifer, Harrison, Major, and Porter. 
Acting Assistant Surgeon Carswell was the medical officer. These 
officers, together with the non-commissioned officers and privates 
of Companies A, F, H, and K, Second Cavalry, are entitled to 
great commendation for their gallantry. 

The friendly Indians, — Delawares, Caddoes, etc.,— under Mr. 
Ross, rendered essential service both before and during the conflict. 

One of Van Dorn's wounds, we feared, would prove 
fatal. He was shot from the side, the arrow passing 
through him in the region of the navel. It was sup- 
posed that it had passed through the cavity of the 
stomach, but fortunately it proved to be only a flesh 
wound. As soon as he could be moved on a litter, we 
returned to our camp. After our horses were allowed 
to rest for a day or so, I was ordered to proceed to the 
mouth of the Salt Fork of the Brazos, cross it, and 
proceed up to its head. After having made a long 
day's march without crossing any small tributary, from 
which I expected to get fresh water for the men and 
horses, and darkness overtaking the command, I re- 
solved to go into camp. I instructed the men to get 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 121 

ice from the river and melt it by the fire, as the water 
thus obtained would be much more fresh than the 
water taken from the river. Soon Buofler Patrick 
Larkin returned and informed me that the water in 
the river was fresh and o-ood. It is stranore that the 
only fresh water tributary of the Brazos is called the 
Salt Fork. Throughout the trip we had good water, 
but saw no Indians, nor had there been any on the 
stream for many years, judging from the remains of 
the old camps I discovered. On this trip I had to 
abandon several horses, which, for want of proper for- 
age, broke down and could go no farther. 

Many of the horses thus abandoned recover, and 
unite with the bands of wild horses which inhabit all 
remote parts of Texas and the adjoining Territories. 
I have seen some of these, and they were as wild as 
any in the wild herds, and could not be approached. In 
these herds of wild horses there seems to be a sinele 
color in each. I have seen all bays, all blacks, and 
all sorrels, and, by far the handsomest, all spotted or 
calico horses. .1 have often chased what I supposed to 
be parties of Indians, only to find out, after miles of 
rapid travel, that I was following wild horses. Whence 
came these wild animals ? Indian tradition assiofns the 
origin of these wild bands, or herds, to certain Spanish 
stock brought into the regions inhabited by them by 
the Jesuit fathers in the first days of the missions. The 
round bodies, the clean limbs, delicate ears, and beau- 
tiful manes and tails certainly suggest an Andalusian 
pedigree. A stallion controls each band, and jealously 
keeps his charge from all others. While grazing they 
move about at random, but the stallion is ever on the 

9 



122 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

alert, and a snort from him is the danger-signal, when 
they close in compact mass and break away, like one 
huge body, for a place of safety. In these flights the 
stallion in charge is ever in rear, at the post of danger. 
In the raising of stock, the sexes about equal each 
other. It has been said that amono- the wild horses 
about three-fourths of the male colts are killed by the 
mature stallions when they are foaled. This I do not 
believe. 

The wanton, reckless, and wicked destruction of the 
buffalo in past years is a sure guarantee that their days 
are numbered. Soon the breed must become extinct. 
The area of country occupied by them is becoming 
more and more contracted every year. The robes are 
becoming more valuable, which stimulates the hunter 
in his efforts to kill all he can, just for their hides. 
The most determined enemy to the buffalo is the In- 
dian, who cannot, or will not, comprehend that the ex- 
tinction of the buffalo means his extinction also. With- 
out the buffalo the poor Indian will be wholly dependent 
upon the agent for supplies, which meaps starvation, if 
the future can be judged by the past. With the dis- 
appearance of the buffalo, the Indian must go, unless 
some more humane method, or policy, be adopted for 
his government and protection. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 12 



CHAPTER X. 

On Leave of Absence — Trip on Overland Stage — Visit to Ken- 
tucky — Back to Fort Mason — Scouting — Engagement with In- 
dians — Buffalo — Barnard's Capture of a Wild Buffalo — Loss of 
his Coat — Scarcity of Water — Artesian Wells — Camels intro- 
duced into Texas — Lieutenant Beale's Estimate of Them — What 
became of the Camels — Secession — Lieutenant-Colonel R. E. 
Lee — Base Betrayal of General Twiggs — Governor Houston de- 
posed. 

In February, 1S59, I applied for a leave of absence 
for the purpose of visiting my family, at that time in 
St. Paul. The indulgence was granted, and I returned 
to Fort Belknap, which was on the line of the Overland 
Mail Staore from San Francisco to St. Louis. I boarded 
the first stage which arrived. The roads were hard 
and firm, and the gentle undulations of the prairies 
made the riding both easy and agreeable. 

The company was replacing the mules along the line 
with wild, unbroken mustangs, picked up in the coun- 
try. At one stand there were hitched to the stage 
four of these animals, all wild, never having been har- 
nessed before. It took eight men to do it. One held 
each animal by the bridle ; another fastened the traces. 
The passengers were called upon to take their places, 
the driver, a daring, reckless fellow, mounted his box, 
adjusted his reins, raised his whip, and bid the holders 
let go. Then he laid the whip on unceasingly at every 
jump. We reached the next station — ten miles dis- 



124 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



tant — in just forty-five minutes. At the end of this 
ten-mile dash they were as cahn and docile as if they 
had been in use for years. Then we were furnished 
with a fresh team, and experienced the same rapid 
travelling. In five days and nights we reached the 
end of the Pacific road from St. Louis, where we took 
the cars for that city. I remained in St. Louis a day, 
and left for La Crosse by railroad. At La Crosse I 
took the stage again for St. Paul, and on the ninth day 
from Fort Belknap reached my final destination. Here 
I met my third son for the first time, then eight months 
old. 

After the opening of navigation I went with my 
family to Kentucky, where I passed the greater part 
of my leave of absence, only allowing myself time to 
reach my post before its expiration. On reaching San 
Antonio I found that the company to which I was at- 
tached was stationed at Camp Cooper, on the Clear 
Fork of the Brazos. I did not care to go there, so I 
asked General Twiggs to order the company to Fort 
Mason. I did not expect him to comply wn'th my re- 
quest, but he did so. 

Taking my family to that post and locating them, I 
hastened on to join my company and conduct it to its 
new station. 

I left Camp Cooper November 27, and arrived at 
Fort Mason on December 9, 1859. From December 
22 to 29 I was out in pursuit of Indians, and again 
from January 30 to February 25, i860. 

On April 22, i860, 1 left Fort Mason for an extended 
scout, taking with me forty men, supplied with twenty 
days' rations. I made a long and tiresome expedition, 



IN PEACE AND WAR, 125 

and, finding no Indians, decided to return home by 
the way of Fort Chadbourne. While there it occurred 
to me to send twenty men, whose horses were lame or 
partially broken down, directly to Fort Mason, and 
with the other twenty men make a circuit in another 
direction, hoping to come up with a small party of In- 
dians. When within a day's march of home the guide, 
who was just in front of the column, halted, and then 
began circling around, as if scenting a trail. The col- 
umn was halted, and I joined him, when he told me 
that the Indians had passed only a few hours before. 
At once we started on the trail, which was followed for 
three days, making about sixty miles each day. Just 
before sunset, on the third day, I heard an unearthly 
yell ; it was the danger-signal given by the Indian on 
the look-out. Looking up, I saw their horses grazing. 
These were surrounded at once. The band of Indians 
had halted in a circular chaparral, in the centre of which 
was a good spring, and there they felt themselves very 
secure, for they could be reached only by one narrow 
path, which was protected by their rifles. Making 
them believe that the command was withdrawing, in- 
tending to leave them alone, some came out to the 
edge of the chaparral, and were picked off by the sharp- 
shooters. The Indians were estimated at about forty, 
just double the force under my command. They had 
no animals to care for, and my men had to look after 
their own horses, as well as those we had captured. 
Soon the blackness of darkness closed in around us. 
With the men I had I tried to picket around the chap- 
arral, but the pickets had to be necessarily far apart. 
About nine o'clock a heavy rain and wind-storm came 



126 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

up, which continued through the night, and thus they 
were enabled to escape, for none of them were to be 
seen next morning when we were ready to renew the 
fiofht. During- the war I often thouo-ht of this skirmish, 
and resolved that, if it ever became my duty again to 
fight Indians, I would take with me on every expedi- 
tion a mountain howitzer, to be used in cases like the 
one I have just described. In this little affair we cer- 
tainly killed five and wounded others, and captured 
the horses, saddles, and other property of the entire 
party. On the day following, I marched for my post. 
Our rations were out, and it became necessary for the 
men to subsist on mule meat. I did not have to par- 
take of it myself, for some one of the command would 
kill a bird or catch a fish every day, and these were 
generously given to me. 

I wish to say here that I do not believe that a supe- 
rior lot of men could have been found in the army 
than those constituting Company F. About forty of 
them weighed from one hundred and forty to one hun- 
dred and fifty pounds each, and from these I always 
selected the men to accompany me on Indian expedi- 
tions. Each was an excellent horseman, afraid of 
nothing, never tired, and always cheerful, and always 
willing to endure fatigue and hardship, if I exacted it 
of them. The strictest discipline was maintained in 
the company, and every man in it knew that if he 
offended, punishment would surely follow ; but, if or- 
derly and well behaved, the largest liberty, consistent 
with proper discipline, would be allowed him. Every 
effort was made to stimulate their pride, by letting 
them understand that the company must be considered 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



127 



the best in the regiment, and to do this it was necessary 
that each one should be thorough in drill and discipline, 
and at all times on his good behavior. 

There was one thing I always noticed when scouting 
over the hills and plains of Texas. Indians and buffalo 
are rarely ever found in the same neighborhood. On 
some of the scouts I made I have travelled for several 
days at a time with buffalo always in sight. Of course, 
not immense herds, but isolated buffalo could be seen 
on distant hills at all times. They seem to have a 
military organization among themselves. The cows 
and calves herd together while away off on the hills, 
in all directions, the old and experienced males are 
posted on outpost duty. Upon these sentinels the 
main herd relies for information in regard to approach- 
ing danger, and as they are always on the alert, no 
herd can be surprised. Whenever we desired the flesh 
of one, either the guide, or one of the men, mounted 
on a fleet horse, would charge into the herd and select 
a young heifer, which would be shot and killed. I never 
allowed the destruction of more than was necessary 
for our use, regarding the wholesale butchery of them 
as wrong for sundry reasons. The small calves are 
easily captured and domesticated, but old ones can 
never be tamed. 

I met a gentleman in Texas by the name of Barnard, 
who had been on the frontier many years. He told 
me that at an early day he was driving an ox-team from 
one frontier settlement to another. When a long way 
from any habitation he encamped one night under a 
large but solitary tree on the prairie. That night one 
of his oxen died. With one he could not proceed on 



128 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

his journey, and just what to do was the most impor- 
tant question he had ever been called on to decide. 
Finally, he concluded that his only hope was to catch 
a buffalo and make him useful, and he imagined that 
curiosity would lead some of them to come around to 
make the acquaintance of his surviving ox. Fastening 
one end of a strong rope to the root of the tree, with 
the other end he climbed up among the branches and 
awaited developments. At last a buffalo came near 
and he threw the noose around his neck. The animal 
reared and pitched around at a fearful rate, but the 
more he struggled the tighter the rope was drawn ; 
and finally, not being able to breathe, he fell exhausted 
to the ground. Barnard descended hurriedly, and in 
a moment had the yoke over his neck, and the process 
of harnessing a wild buffalo was complete. When all 
things were ready he loosened the rope around the 
neck, and the buffalo began to breathe slowly. In a 
few moments he was on his feet, gave a snort, and 
Barnard said, " From that day to this I have not laid 
my eyes upon the ox, buffalo, or wagon, or any part of 
either." I do not vouch for this story, but give it as 
it was related to me. 

Scarcity of water was the most serious obstacle in 
the way of successful military operations in Texas. 
Railroads had not then penetrated that State and the 
Territories beyond, and hence all supplies designed 
for the troops in New Mexico and Arizona had to be 
hauled by mule-teams from the coast. On the usual 
line of travel between San Antonio and El Paso there 
were several distances of about eighty miles each be- 
tween water-holes or streams. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 129 

These were long- drives, and die poor animals suf- 
fered untold misery for die want of water. It was 
usual to start on these journeys over the deserts about 
sundown, drive all night and until the beginning of the 
intense heat of the following day, then lie by until the 
cool of the evening and renew the journey. On the 
approach to the water the jaded mules would prick up 
their ears and start on a full run, instinctively knowing 
that soon their great thirst was to be quenched in the 
waters of some cooling stream. 

To overcome this great drawback to successfully 
transporting supplies, and with the hope of being able 
to do something calculated to develop the country, 
Mr. Davis, then Secretary of War, prevailed upon 
Congress to make an appropriation for the purpose of 
boring a series of artesian wells. Brevet Captain John 
Pope, now major-general, was placed in charge of this 
enterprise, and bored several to great depths, but did 
not succeed in getting water to flowto the surface, and 
hence that plan failed of success. 

It then occurred to Mr. Davis to introduce into this 
country a large number of camels, to be used in trans- 
porting supplies over these destitute regions, as they 
can go for several days without water. 

In 1857 a number of them were brought in govern- 
ment vessels from the borders of the Mediterranean, 
and on their arrival sent to Texas, being a climate 
more like that of their native land than any other por- 
tion of the United States, It seems that some of these 
were placed in charge of Lieutenant Beale, commander 
of an expedition to explore for a wagon-road from 
New Mexico to California. In his report he says, — 



I30 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

An important part in all of our operations has been acted by the 
camels. Without the aid of this noble and useful brute, many hard- 
ships which we have been spared would have fallen to our lot ; and 
our admiration for them has increased day by day, as some new 
hardship, endured patiently, more fully developed their entire 
adaptation and usefulness in the exploration of the wilderness. 

At times I have thought it impossible they could stand the test 
to which they have been put ; but they seem to have risen equal to 
every trial, and to have come off from every exploration with as 
much strength as before starting. Unsupported by the testimony 
of every man of my party, I should be unwilling to state all that I 
have seen them do. Starting with a full determination that the ex- 
periment should be no half-way one, I have subjected them to trials 
which no other animal could possibly have endured, and yet I have 
arrived here, not only without the loss of a camel, but they are ad- 
mitted, by those who saw them in Texas, to be in as good condi- 
tion to-day as when we left San Antonio. In all our lateral explora- 
tions they have carried water, sometimes for more than a week, for 
the mules used by the men, themselves never receiving even a buck- 
etful to one of them. They have traversed patiently, with heavy 
packs, on these explorations, countries covered with the sharpest 
volcanic rock, and yet their feet to this hour have evinced no 
symptom of tenderness or injury; with heavy packs they have 
crossed mountains, ascended and descended precipitous places 
where an unladen mule found it difficult to pass, even with the as- 
sistance of the rider, dismounted and carefully picking its way. 
Leaving home with all the prejudice attaching to untried experi- 
ments, and with many in our camp opposed to their use, and look- 
ing forward confidently to their failure, I believe, at this time I 
may speak for every man in our party, when I say there is not one 
of them who would not prefer the most indifferent of our camels to 
four of our best mules, and I look forward hopefully to the time 
when they will be in general use in all parts of our country. 

Now, it should be remembered that the best results 
were not expected from those imported, but from their 
offspring reared In this country. The war came on 
before the matter could be fairly tested, but I think the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



131 



Secretary of War at that time is entitled to the credit 
of having taken a step which, had it been fairly tried, 
would have resulted in a complete revolution of the 
transportation question over the arid plains of Texas 
and the Territories beyond. 

I do not know what finally became of those at Camp 
Verde, Texas, but am of the opinion that they fell into 
the hands of the Confederates, although I have re- 
cently read an article on this subject from a corre- 
spondent of the New Orleans Times- Democrat, which 
I reproduce for the information of the reader, with the 
remark that I am clearly of the opinion that it is one 
of those wild frontier stories so easily gathered from 
the frontiersman and Indian : 

In the Hualpias can also be found that phenomenal animal on 
American soil, the Arabian camel. In the early sixties the govern- 
ment purchased about 100 head of these natives of the desert, think- 
ing that they could be utilized in the long stretches of arid travel- 
ling on the Western trails. For some reason, never thoroughly 
understood, the experiment was considered a failure, and these 
animals — average cost price $1000 — were offered to the highest 
bidder. Some were sold, but a great many escaped to the hills and 
plains of unknown Arizona. The Hualpias region received not a 
few of them, and here, in a climate where the sun shines as hot as 
on their native saharas, and no bad substitute for the sirocco blows 
in its season, they throve and multiplied. The Indians of the 
Hualpias are familiar with the "new buffalo," as they call the 
camel, and tell marvellous tales of its speed and endurance. Though 
the animals originally purchased by the government were of the 
carrying or burden variety, their sojourn in the Hualpias has de- 
veloped in their offspring all of the characteristics of the drome- 
dary or saddle-camel of the Arabs. Lighter and cleaner in form 
than its progenitor, the present camel of the Hualpias can proudly 
challenge comparison with the ancient and gentle strain from which 
springs the pride of the sheik and the pet of the Arab household. 



132 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



The camel of the Hualpias affects principally a region still in the 
east of the great horse range, but within the Hualpias hills. They 
prefer the sheltered valleys to the open stretch of plain, and their 
favorite food is the fruit of the wild peach-tree that grows in the 
utmost profusion in their favorite habitat. In the early fall the 
fruit falls to the earth, and is soon, by the action of the rarefied 
air of the section and the sun, dried as well as though human hands 
had superintended the operation. It is then that the transplanted 
camel feeds the most greedily upon it. The animals do not herd 
together in any numbers, the male, female, and their own particular 
offspring forming a select circle of their own. The section in 
which these eastern exiles have found a refuge and home is as re- 
mote and unknown to this city as it was in 1872. The Hualpias 
Indians keep the secret from all white men but the ubiquitous and 
scheming Mormon. In this region lie almost unlimited possibili- 
ties, and the time is coming when the Hualpias hills will give 
prosperous homes to thousands of families, among whose beasts of 
burden the Arabian camel will hold a proud prominence. 

In the early days of 1861 it was evident that the 
Southern States intended to secede from the Union 
and estabhsh for themselves a separate and distinct 
government, the chief corner-stone of which was to be 
human slavery. Their rights had not been questioned. 
No wrong had been done to either one, yet in their 
madness and folly they were determined to pursue 
that course regardless of consequences. South Caro- 
lina led off in this treasonable effort to dissolve the 
Union, and other States made arrangements to follow 
her in her mad career. Texas began to organize troops 
to overpower the Federal army. At all the posts in 
the department suspicious-looking men lurked around. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, afterwards the leader of the 
rebel army, was in command of Fort Mason. He 
called on me one day and stated the case fully ; said 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



^IZ 



he was determined to defend his post at all hazards, 
and asked me if he could rely upon my support, to 
which I replied, " Yes, as long as I hold a commission 
in the Union army, I shall be loyal to its flag." This 
seemed to gratify him very much, and he then and 
there divulged to me his plan of fortifying the post. 
Before he began to carry it out an order summoned 
him to Washington to confer with General Scott, who 
entertained an exalted opinion of his ability, and who 
desired his advice and services in the approaching 
contest. The last time I saw him was when I went to 
the ambulance which was to bear him away, and said, 
"Colonel, do you intend to go South or remain North? 
I am very anxious to know just what you propose do- 
ing." He replied in these words, " I shall never bear 
arms against the United States, — but it may be neces- 
sary for me to carry a musket in defence of my native 
State, Virginia, in which case I shall not prove recreant 
to my duty." The driver cracked his whip, and as he 
drove off Colonel Lee thrust his head out of the am- 
bulance and said, " Good-by. God bless you." 

These were the last words I ever heard him speak 
and the last time I ever saw him. Colonel Lee was 
one of the most agreeable men I ever knew, hand- 
some, courteous as a knight, pleasant and entertaining 
in conversation. He was universally beloved by all 
the officers of his regiment, and all regretted his de- 
parture. 

While these things were going on around our post 
others were taking steps to tie the army hand and foot, 
and force a surrender to the insurgents. General 
Twiggs, who was on leave of absence, finding that a 



134 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

crisis was soon to be reached, and fearing that Colonel 
Waite, who was commanding during his absence, might 
not be willing to do just as the rebels wished him, sur- 
rendered his leave, returned, and assumed command. 
Now, it is well known by every officer who was in 
Texas that a concentration might have been made, 
and in that case we could have defended ourselves 
aofainst all the militia the State of Texas could have 
brought against us. It was this possible concentration 
by Colonel Waite that Twiggs feared, and hence his 
return. It was said that, after his return, the rebel 
leaders in San Antonio were greatly encouraged, still 
they feared to make a formal demand for the surrender 
of all the troops and property of the government. To 
encourage them he visited the hotels where these men 
were generally to be found, and openly and boister- 
ously proclaimed that " If any old woman armed with 
a broom-stick demands a surrender, I will accede to 
her demand." Thus emboldened, the demand was 
made, and the most disgraceful surrender the world 
has ever known was then and there agreed to. I have 
understood that an effort has been made to relieve him 
from the stigma that should ever attach to his name for 
this outrage, but when that is done let Benedict Ar- 
nold's treasonable memory be vindicated also. Perish 
the thought that Twiggs, Arnold, and Judas Iscariot, 
a notorious trio, should ever be canonized as patriots, 
pure, noble, and true. On the contrary, let their 
names be handed down to posterity together as trai- 
tors of the deepest, darkest hue. No one can estimate 
the damage Twiggs did to our cause by basely trailing 
the flag of our country in the dust, and surrendering 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 135 

the immense supplies of arms, ammunition, clothing, 
camp and garrison equipage. It Is said that he fre- 
quently telegraphed and asked for orders, which the 
War Department neglected to give. What more 
orders did he want than the following article of war : 

Article 52. Any officer or soldier who shall misbehave himself 
before the enemy, run away, or shamefully abandon any fort, post, 
or GUARD which he or they may be commanded to defend, or speak 
words inducing others to do the like, or shall cast away his arms 
and ammunition, or who shall quit his post or colors to plunder 
and pillage, every such offender, being duly convicted thereof, shall 
suffer death, or such other punishment as shall be ordered by the 
sentence of a general court-martial. 

In his peaceful surrender is there any doubt In re- 
gard to his abandonment of dozens of forts and posts ? 
Is there any doubt whatever that he laid himself liable 
to the penalty Imposed In this article ? 

Oh, no, there can be no pardon for him, and his 
name must go down to posterity as infamous, and 
alongside of that of Benedict Arnold. I have a crreat 
deal of charity for many men who drifted away Into 
the rebellion, but for General Twiggs none whatever. 
He knew his duty and did it not. He was a traitor 
while holding a commission under the government. 
Every State in the Union had a better right to with- 
draw than Texas. That State was bought by the 
eovernment, and while the United States did not own 
the people it did the soil. When it was admitted a 
debt of ten millions was paid by the United States 
government, and it was permitted to retain all of the 
public lands within Its boundary-lines. 



136 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

The United States paid dearly for the purchase, and 
all it had to show for the money expended was the 
ownership of the soil, and the State had no right 
whatever to secede. Such was the opinion of Sam 
Houston, the father of the State. He was governor 
of Texas at the time, and was called on to take the 
oath of allegiance to the Confederate States. This he 
declined to do. The Convention arbitrarily removed 
him, and inaugurated the lieutenant-governor. Hous- 
ton could not prevail upon those hot-headed rebels to 
stop and consider before they went too far. He was 
hooted at and threatened, and, finding himself helpless, 
withdrew to his farm on the Brazos, where he soon 
died a heart-broken patriot. He told the people just 
what would be the final outcome, and in the light of 
subsequent events he seems to have been endowed 
with the spirit of prophecy, for the predictions he made 
were verified, though in greater degree. It would 
have been far better for the people of Texas had they 
yielded to his advice. They did not, and the grief 
which he predicted would come upon them, came 
sooner and more severe than he had anticipated. The 
institution of slavery about which they went to war 
soon ceased to exist. It is said that those whom the 
gods wish to destroy they first make mad. The mad- 
ness of the people in the early days of the war was 
evident. There never was a people who rushed into 
war so foolishly as those of the South. They seemed 
to think that the North w^ould quietly and peaceably 
submit to a dismemberment of the Union without 
raising their hands in its defence. How foolish ! How 
idiotic ! 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 137 



CHAPTER XI. 

Governmental Policy towards the Indians — Give them Lands in 
Severalty — The Wealth of the Crows — General Sheridan's Views 
on the Indian Question — Schools should teach English — Sioux 
Best Warriors — Comanches Best Horsemen — All Good Marks- 
men — Names — Indian Wives are Servants — Brave Act of an In- 
dian — Opinion of Commissioner of Indian Affairs. 

From the earliest settlement of this country the vac- 
illating course pursued by the government towards 
the Indians has been one of imagined expediency 
rather than one of justice. When the whites were 
greatly in the minority, the fear of the tomahawk and 
the butcher-knife suggested a very liberal course to 
be pursued towards them. They were petted and 
toyed with, — in fact, allowed to do about as they 
pleased. From that time to the present they have 
been fed and fattened at public expense ; and if the 
government had attempted to deprive them of their 
manhood and make paupers of them all, no more sure 
way of accomplishing it could have been devised than 
the one which has been followed. It is a misuse of 
words to say that the government has had an Indian 
policy. We have never had a policy calculated to 
elevate, ennoble, and lead these poor untutored chil- 
dren of the forests and the plains to a higher civiliza- 
tion. They are assembled on the reservations, where 
all interests are in common, where there is no in- 
centive to strive to attain to any higher position in- 
tellectually, morally, or financially. Their wants are 



138 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



partially supplied, and they know they will be, hence 
their only ambition is to attain eminence as hunters 
and to live lives of indolence and immorality. Among 
all the tribes into which I have been thrown this same 
condition of things exists, with the exception of the 
Cherokees, Chicasaws, and Choctaws. 

As a general thing, Indians cannot recognize the 
act of one white man as the act of a single person ; but 
if a white man does them a wrong, it satisfies their sav- 
age natures to wreak vengeance upon any other white 
man. Hence it is, when the missionary goes among 
them and by earnest, persistent effort succeeds in 
planting in their hearts some knowledge of the Sa- 
viour of men, suddenly they see some unprincipled 
white men stealinor the rations belono^ino- to them and 
their tribes, then at once the missionary is character- 
ized as a thief also, and all of his patient work goes for 
naught. Can we Christianize these poor deluded sav- 
ages with the machinery of the government? It can- 
not be done through the instrumentality of the agen- 
cies as at present conducted. There are many good 
men employed on the various reserves who treat these 
people with great fairness ; but their labors are futile 
unless all those associated with them are in full sym- 
pathy, and earnestly and faithfully labor to better the 
temporal and spiritual condition of these unfortunate 
beings. 

The Indians in this country occupy an anomalous 
position. They are regarded as a separate nationality, 
above and beyond all law, owing no allegiance to the 
country, unprotected by the laws, and not amenable to 
them. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



139 



There is a solution to this question. It is not new, 
but has been urged from time to time for a century. 
Far better for all concerned had the policy been 
adopted long since ; but it is not yet too late. Give 
to each family a home, a tract of land large enough for 
the wants of an ordinary-sized family, and say to the 
head of each, this is yours, and it can never be taken 
from you ; but to protect you against land-sharks who 
will seek to cheat, wrong, and defraud you, you will 
never be permitted to sell your land, — at least until 
after you have shown yourselves capable of guard- 
ing your own interests. You may leave it to your 
children or set aside portions of it for their exclusive 
use during your lifetime, but you can never dispose of 
it outside of your family. Now, here is a team, spade, 
shovel, hoe, rake, plough, and such other agricultural 
implements as you will require in the cultivation of the 
soil upon which you must depend for a living. You 
know that the game has disappeared, you can no longer 
trust to the uncertainties of the chase, and so you must 
work as your white brothers are compelled to do. You 
must be governed by the laws, and their protecting 
mantle will be thrown over and around you. After a 
certain time all assistance will cease, and by that time 
you must be self-sustaining. You must enter the race 
of life as the white man has done. If you work, God 
will reward your labors with abundant harvests, and 
they will be your own. You can sell your surplus, and, 
with the money obtained therefrom, purchase other 
articles for your family which you cannot produce on 
your farm. By strict economy you will soon be above 
all want. Your days of idleness and dependence are 



140 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



over, and henceforth you will be regarded as a human 
being, a citizen of the United vStates, and entitled to 
the respect of all men just in proportion as you de- 
serve it. 

The Crow Indians are the wealthiest people on the 
face of the earth. This tribe numbers about thirty- 
three hundred, and own about 20,000 horses, ponies, 
and mules, and in round numbers about 5,000,000 
acres of land. Of what earthly use is such a large 
body of land to a people who neither sow nor reap ? 
Set aside for their use land sufficient for each family, 
sell the remainder, and give them the interest of the 
amount realized by the sale annually, or oftener, if 
thought advisable. From the report of Lieutenant- 
General Sheridan for the year 1885 it would seem that 
this is the plan he proposes. He says, — 

On account of the rapid growth of our Western settlements the 
army is obliged in some places to j)rotect white people from In- 
dians, while in other places it is protecting the Indians in their per- 
sons or properties from the whites. The Indians are the richest 
people in the country as communities. Their reservations inclufie 
some of the best lands ; if divided among the heads of families, each 
family would have thousands of acres. If I may be permitted to 
suggest, I would recommend that each family be given and located 
on three hundred and twenty acres now provided for them by the 
law in case of actual settlement. The government should then con- 
demn all the balance of each reservation, buy it in at one dollar 
and twenty-five cents per acre, and with the proceeds purchase gov- 
ernment bonds, to be held in trust by the Interior Department, 
only giving to the Indians each year the interest on the bonds for 
their support. Let this money, if you please, be disbursed the same 
as the money appropriated last year by Congress. The practical 
working would be about as follows: The Crow Indians, for in- 
stance, have nearly 4,800,000 acres of land. There are not more 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 141 

than thirty-three hundred of them, and counting five persons to a 
family, — large estimate, — they could be settled separately on two 
hundred and thirty acres for each family, and then have 4,500,000 
acres left, which the government could buy of them when con- 
demned. 

If the proceeds were invested in government bonds, and the in- 
terest used for their support, it would be more money than is now 
appropriated by Congress for their yearly maintenance. It would 
be their own money, and take tlie question of annual appropria- 
tions for them out of Congress. 

The first ereat lesson to be tauo^ht these sons of the 
prairies is " that all men are created equal, that they 
are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable 
rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pur- 
suit of happiness," and that true happiness can only be 
attained by following some honest industry. When 
the laws are made to govern and protect them, as they 
do all other races of men, they will feel that they are a 
part and parcel of the government, not a nationality 
separate and distinct. Schools among them should 
teach the English language, — " the language of civiliza- 
tion and of progress." Time should not be wasted in 
teaching them their own language. They can learn 
the English as readily ; and when they can speak it, 
there will be a closer sympathy with the whites. Sepa- 
rated at their own homes, they can be more easily 
instructed by the missionary and taught that the races 
whose God is the Lord are more prosperous and more 
happy than those who know Him not. The various 
tribes should be transferred to the War Department. 
It is often asserted by well-disposed persons that the 
turning over of the Indians to the War Department 
means their annihilation by the sword and the musket. 



142 



A SOLDIER'S RE MINIS CEA^CES 



How absurd ! Are not the officers and soldiers men 
like all others ? Are they not as humane and as careful 
of human life ? Have they not done as much for the 
temporal good of the Indian as any other class of men? 
Look, if you please, at the Cherokees, Chicasaws, and 
Choctaws. These tribes were colonized by the army. 
The army took charge of them when they reached 
their present home ; and where among all the tribes 
has there been such progress in civilization, education, 
and religion ? They are making rapid strides forward, 
and the time will come when their civilization will be 
such as to demand the admission of their Territory 
into the Union as a State. They have an able system 
of laws, which are faithfully executed ; and our States 
would do well to incorporate some of their statutes 
among their own. I point with great pride to the 
noble work of the army with these tribes. 

The expeditions made in the State of Texas against 
the Indians, referred to on previous pages, were ren- 
dered necessary by the absurd policy of herding them 
together on reservations. Youno- men can never rest 
in idleness, and what more natural result could be ex- 
pected than the organization of small parties to make 
forays against the settlements ? 

The Sioux are the best warriors, but the Comanches 
are by far the best horsemen. They seem to be able 
to cling to the side of a horse like a fly, and hurl 
arrows under their horse's neck at their enemy on the 
opposite side. A Comanche can run his horse at full 
speed and readily pick up anything from the ground, 
such as a hat, a bow, or an arrow. In this feat the 
only contact apparently between the Indian and his 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



143 



horse is his heel, which dings to the back of the 
animal. 

They are fine marksmen, and can shoot an arrow 
with unerring accuracy. As soon as the boys are old 
enough to spring a bow they begin to practice, and it 
is astonishing how readily they familiarize themselves 
with its use. The women, also, are generally expert 
in the use of the bow, and in the Wichita battle did 
effective service with the rifle. Once I witnessed a 
number of boys shooting at dimes ten paces off, and 
I do not remember that a sinofle one missed his aim. 
They enjoyed the sport very much, for each one hitting 
a dime was permitted to keep it. It was real fun for 
the boys, but expensive to those who furnished the 
targets. 

Just how the Comanches preserve any knowledge 
of relationship I do not know, for each member of a 
family has a name without any reference to any other 
member of that family. For instance, the man whose 
name is Buffalo-rising-in-the-grass may name his son 
Crazy-horse, and the latter may name his son Ante- 
lope. 

Now, when Antelope dies there is a meeting of the 
head men of the tribe, and the name of Antelope is 
changed to something else; and the word agreed upon 
is duly promulgated to the members of the band, after 
which the original name never passes the lips of any 
one of them. This is probably a compliment to the 
memory of the deceased. 

I have seen the head men assembled in council, and 
althouQ^h in racrs and covered with the accumulated 
dirt and filth of years, yet they act with as much cool- 



144 -^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

ness and dignity as would the crowned heads of Europe, 
if assembled to consider weighty questions which 
were agitating the people of the civilized world. No 
women are permitted to be present on such occasions. 
To them the woman is inferior and is reg-arded more 
in the light of a beast of burden, whose place is the 
kitchen or in the forest gathering wood for winter's 
use. The wife of an Indian is his servant, and there 
is no drudgery so laborious, no service so humiliating 
and degrading that he will not demand it of her. She 
recognizes hisr subordination, and never raises objec- 
tions to anything required by her lord and master. 
Such is savage life. The higher the human family 
rises in the scale of civilization, the more deference is 
paid to woman. Among educated and refined people 
in America she is queen, and all men bow to her as 
they should. 

In Texas we rarely ever heard of Indians attacking 
any organized force where there was the slightest 
chance of defeat. When pursued by superior num- 
bers, they invariably attempted to escape by flight, and 
this gave rise to the belief that they were all cowards. 
I do not believe they were, — for when driven to the 
wall they would fight with desperation. A party of 
soldiers, on the 26th day of August, i860, encountered 
a number of Indians near the head of the Clear Fork 
of the Brazos. They were moving with their women 
and children when attacked. The fioht was a runnino- 
one ; and when it became evident to the head men that 
the entire party would be killed or captured, an old 
Indian, himself badly wounded, made a stand, resolved 
on selling his life as dearly as possible. Taking a 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



145 



position in a small thicket, and by keeping up a con- 
stant fire, the command was forced to halt, thus en- 
abling his comrades, women, and children to escape. 
The brave old savage was wounded about twenty times 
before he was finally despatched, and managed to kill 
and wound quite a number of the soldiers. Before his 
death, the guide called to him, in his own language, to 
surrender and his life should be spared ; but his reply 
was, " Surrender ? Never! never! Come on !" Such 
courage, such a spirit of self-sacrifice, deserved a bet- 
ter fate. What could better illustrate the courage and 
the nobility of character than the conduct of this sav- 
age? To save others he voluntarily offered up his 
own life ; and it was not lost in vain, for his comrades 
made good their escape. An examination of his body 
revealed his terrible wounds, more than half of which 
would have proven mortal. 

The report of General J. D, C. Atkins, Commissioner 
of Indian Affairs, has just been published, and the views 
he expresses are so much in harmony with my own that 
I embody a part of it. He says, — 

It requires no seer to foretell or foresee the civilization of the 
Indian race, as a result naturally deducible from a knowledge and a 
practice on their part of agriculture, for the history of agriculture 
among all people and in all countries intimately connects it with 
the highest intellectual and moral development of man. The in- 
creased interest in agriculture manifested since the opening of last 
spring and the preparations on several reservations for a still larger 
increase of acreage in farming are among the hopeful signs of Indian 
progress and development. This brings me directly to the consid- 
eration of the practical policy which I believe should be adopted by 
Congress and the government in the management of the Indians. 
It should be industriously and gravely impressed upon them that 



146 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

they must abandon their tribal relations and take lands in severalty 
as the corner-stone of their complete success in agriculture, which 
means self-support, personal independence, and material thrift. 
The government should, however, in order to protect them, retain 
the right to these lands in trust for twenty-five years or longer, but 
issue trust-patents at once to such Indians as have taken individual 
holdings. When the Indians have taken their lands in severalty in 
sufficient quantities, and the number of acres in each holding 
should vary in different localities, according to fertility, productive- 
ness, climate, and other advantages, then, having due regard to the 
immediate and early future needs of the Indians, the remaining 
lands of their reservations should be purchased by the government 
and opened to homestead entry at fifty or seventy-five cents per 
acre. The money paid by the government for these lands should be 
held in trust in five per cent, bonds, to be invested as Congress may 
provide, for the education, civilization, development, and advance 
of the red race, reserving for each tribe its own money. If this 
policy were adopted systematically by the government, it would be 
strange if in five years from this inauguration and establishment 
there should be an Indian of any tribe in the whole country who 
would refuse to accept so favorable and advantageous a measure. 
Every step taken, every move made, every suggestion offered, every- 
thing done with reference to the Indians, should be with a view of 
impressing them that this is the policy which has been permanently 
decided upon by the government in reference to their management. 
They must abandon tribal relations. They must give up their super- 
stitious ideas. They must forsake their savage habits and learn the 
arts of civilization. They must learn to labor and rear their families 
as white people do, and to know more of their obligations to the 
government and society. In a word, they must learn to work for a 
living, and they must understand that it is their interest and duty 
to send their children to school. When the farm and school 
have been familiar institutions among the Indians, and reasonable 
time has intervened for the transition from barbarous or a semi- 
civilized state to one of civilization, then will the Indian be pre- 
pared to take on himself the higher and more responsible duties and 
privileges which appertain to American citizenship. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. i^y 

For this General Atkins deserves the thanks of 
every one who desires to see the condition of the red 
man improved, and this embraces all of our people not 
included in the hated Indian ringf. 

The present commissioner is the first one who has 
had the boldness and independence to advocate a 
policy so wise, so just ; and may we not hope that his 
sag-e counsel may be heeded by Congress, and that 
henceforth we shall have an Indian policy which will 
elevate and ennoble rather than degrade this poor 
down-trodden people ? 



148 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER XII. 

March to Indianola — Embarkation on "Empire City" — Captain 
R. S. Granger — Major A. K. Arnold's Valuable Assistance — 
Brigades Organized on Ship-Board — Sea-Sickness — Arrival at 
Havana — Carriage-Drive around the City — Call on the Captain- 
General — Visit to Cigar-Factory — Political Boss — Joining in the 
Rebellion — Arrival in New York — Trip to Carlisle Barracks — 
New Mount — Rebel Women — War, etc., etc., etc. 

Let us return to the surrender. Before a demand 
was made upon General Twiggs there was a public 
meeting held by the citizens of San Antonio, and a 
" Committee of Safety," composed of seven members, 
appointed to demand the surrender and to arrange the 
details. Public property at the various posts, not re- 
quired for the transportation of the troops to the coast, 
was to be turned over to some one to be designated 
by this committee of safety. The various commands 
were to leave their posts on specified dates and march 
to Indianola. These dates were so arransfed that not 
more than one thousand men would be at any one 
point at the same time. This was done evidently to 
prevent any resistance being offered to this disgrace- 
ful transaction. At Indianola transportation and arms 
were to be turned over to the representative of the 
Confederate government. A general murmur was 
heard throughout the department in opposition to 
surrendering- the arms, and this murmur reachinor the 
ears of General Twiggs, he saw the possibility of 
trouble and bloodshed, and had the terms so modified 



IN PEACE AND WAR. j^g 

that the troops could leave with the Jionors of zvar, 
bearing their arms. 

Major Fitz-John Porter was designated to superin- 
tend the embarkation of the troops and to provide 
transportation for that purpose, and to his zeal and 
energy the government is indebted for the safe de- 
parture of the troops in that State. 

In the absence of Lieutenant-Colonel Lee and Major 
Van Dorn from Fort Mason, the command of the two 
companies of cavalry and the band of the regiment 
devolved on me, and March 29, 1861, was the date 
fixed for this command to take up the march to Indian- 
ola. Early on that day I moved the column, and when 
out a mile or so looked to the rear, and the dense, 
heavy smoke which I saw revealed the fact that the old 
post was on fire. As it then belonged to the Confed- 
erate States, I had no particular interest in it, and 
never inquired how the fire originated, although I 
shrewdly suspected that it was fired by some of the 
men of my command. In due time I reached San An- 
tonio, where I was joined by Captain R. S. Granger, 
who was in command of two companies of the First 
Infantry. Our commands were not joined, but we 
marched practically together. For several days before 
reaching Green Lake, the point of rendezvous, it ap- 
peared to me that Granger wanted to get his com- 
mand there ahead of mine, as he always encamped a 
mile or so in advance. Supposing that he knew some- 
thing that I did not know and that he had some object 
in pushing ahead, I resolved to beat him at his own 
game. Accordingly, on the day both of our com- 
mands were to reach the lake, I had reveille at one 



I50 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



o'clock. At two o'clock " Boots and Saddles" was 
rung out on the early morning air by my ever-faithful 
bugler, Larkin. I passed Granger's command before 
his reveille, and all were sleeping sweetly and soundly. 
I reached Green Lake at ten o'clock, and was informed 
that my command just completed the load for the " Em- 
pire City ;" and the commander directed me to move 
at once to Indianola, turn over my horses, and board 
the steamer. Granger arrived soon after, and had to 
go into camp to await the arrival of other troops to 
make up a load for another vessel. At sundown on 
that day we were afloat on the broad bosom of the gulf, 
en roiite to New York via Havana. At eight o'clock, 
on the followinor morninsf, Van Dorn arrived in Mata- 
gorda Bay with an improvised gun-boat, and openly 
violated the terms of the surrender by capturing and 
paroling all of the officers and men who had not left 
the State. Granger was paroled, and was not ex- 
changed for a year or so, thus losing rank and experi- 
ence, both of which I had received long before he 
entered upon active duty. I have often thought how 
lucky it was to conceive the idea that Granger was 
seeking an advantage over me. It may have been, 
and doubtless was, all imagination on my part, but it 
was a very happy conception, as it turned out. Just 
here I recall the difficulty we experienced injbparding 
the steamer, which, as it was anchored outside of the 
bar, had to be approached by a small lighter. Upon 
this craft I had my wife and children, and when we 
came alongside of the "Empire City," it seemed that 
a mighty wave would raise the lighter just as the 
steamer sank down in the hollow between two waves, 



\ 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



151 



and vice versa. Men could manage to get aboard, but 
how the children were to be transferred puzzled me. 
At last Lieutenant A. K. Arnold, now major of the 
Sixth Cavalry, took one of my little boys under his 
arm and climbed up and deposited him safely, then 
came back and took another. I remember how 
adroitly it was done. No professional sailor could 
have done it more handsomely. His kindness took 
a great weight of anxiety from my shoulders, and I 
have always remembered him with great kindness, and 
will continue to do so as lonof as I live. This circum- 
stance recalls the fact of the rapidity of the flight of 
time. One of these little boys has children now larger 
than he was when Arnold climbed the rope ladder 
with him under his arm. 

There were on board of the " Empire City" parts 
of the Second Cavalry and Third Infantry. Colonel 
Oliver L. Shepherd of the Third Infantry was the 
senior officer, and the next in rank to him in his regi- 
ment was Captain George Sykes. The senior officer 
of the Cavalry was Captain C. J. Whiting. Shepherd 
assumed that this was the largest command ever con- 
centrated together since the Mexican war, and so he 
organized it into a brigade, designating Sykes as chief 
of infantry and Whiting as chief of cavalry. When 
we reached deep water, and billows rolled high, the 
organization was not maintained, as most of the officers 
retired to their state-rooms, and remained there until 
we were safely moored in the harbor of Havana. The 
roughness of the ocean never affects me, so I had to 
discharge the duties of these high officials in addition 
to my own. I doubt if any other officer of that com- 



152 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



mand descended to the apartments occupied by the 
men. However, the duties were Hght and did not 
burden me. While I never became sea-sick, there is 
a very uncanny odor about an ocean vessel, and I am 
always glad to leave one and take to the land which is 
my natural element. 

Judging from the effects on others, I am satisfied 
that sea-sickness is a most distressing malady, and 
that both gentlemen and ladies suffering from it would 
just about as soon die as live. Ladies who are usually 
very particular about their toilets become careless, 
almost to a total disregard of their raiment, leave the 
doors of their state-rooms open to get fresh air, with- 
out reference to passers by. These same ladies, not 
so suffering, would make as much noise should a male 
member of society pass in front of their open door 
before their toilets were completely made, as they 
would if a mouse invaded the precincts of their state- 
room. Men are even worse, and their elongated faces 
and pain-distorted features are quite sufficient to make 
those around them sick even if the storm-tossed ocean 
failed to accomplish it. 

For a long time I thought sea-sickness was more 
the result of the imaofination than the motion of the 
vessel, but this theory was disposed of when I saw 
young children, too young to think about such matters, 
as deathly sick as the men and women around them. 

As our vessel neared the harbor of Havana, the 
United States flaof was raised on the mast and beauti- 
fully and majestically floated upon the breeze. As 
soon as our colors were recognized, a Q-un was fired 
from Moro Castle, signifying a hearty welcome into 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 153 

that grand and beautiful harbor. The powerful engine 
was again put in motion, the " Empire City" quivered in 
all her parts and soon began to move forward into the 
blue waters surrounding the city. At once we were 
besieged by a fleet of small boats filled with curiosity 
seekers in the main, but several contained health and 
custom-house officers. An American called out from 
one of these small crafts, " Fort Sumter has been 
fired upon." Then sank the heart of every one on 
that vessel. Up to this time none of us could believe 
that the extreme folly of the Southern people could 
go so far as to inaugurate a civil strife, the results of 
which no one could foretell ; but our hopes were dashed 
to the ground and our thoughts turned to the magni- 
tude of the terrible contest upon which we were soon 
to enter. Our vessel was delayed for several days in 
takino; on coal and water, durinof which time we visited 
all places of interest in that queerly-constructed city. 

Colonel Shepherd, thinking that it would be an act 
of courtesy for all of the officers to call in a body on 
the captain-general, wrote him a note asking what 
time would be most aofreeable for him to crive us an 
audience. He designated the time, and in full uniform 
all of the officers marched to the place designated. 
Colonel Shepherd, who spoke Spanish fluently, made 
a' neat little speech, saying how proud we were in being 
able to pay our respects to such a distinguished per- 
sonage, etc., etc. When he had finished he paused a 
moment for a reply. The captain-general, straighten- 
ing himself up, spoke, to the great surprise of every 
officer, as follows, in the purest and best English : 
" Gentlemen ! I am rejoiced to see you individually 

II 



154 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



and collectively, and nothing in my power shall be 
omitted to make your visit to this city pleasant and 
agreeable. I bid you be seated." Shepherd looked 
a little disappointed at the turn matters had taken, but 
thereafter he was particular to speak the best English 
he could command. 

This brings up the thought that the English language 
will ultimately be the universal language of the world. 
In all civilized countries no education is considered 
complete that does not embrace it, and it is becoming 
in more general use every year. 

The natives of Cuba seem to be the happiest people 
in the world, although in almost every square in the 
city squads of foreign troops are quartered to preserve 
order. No native can serve in the army nor hold any 
civil office. They are not allowed the right of suffrage ; 
but notwithstanding these deprivations they are light- 
hearted, contented, and happy. 

I hired a volante to take my wife to the " Captain- 
General's Garden," and to visit other places of interest. 
These vehicles looked odd enough to me. The horse 
is hitched at the end of the shafts at least fifteen feet 
in front of the seats provided for the passengers. A 
man mounted on horseback rides at the side of the 
horse in harness to guide and direct him through the 
narrow streets of the city, and it is perfectly wonder- 
ful how easily they can turn the short corners and 
avoid collision with other vehicles. All the drivers I 
saw were negroes, none of whom could speak a word 
of the English lanoruacje. 

In the garden we saw many pieces of statuary, many 
varieties of fruit, beautiful fountains, birds of variegated 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



155 



plumage, lovely drives, and cool, Inviting shades. Per- 
petual summer reigns in that beautiful island, and the 
bright seasons come and go without change enough to 
distinofuish one from another. 

If Cuba rested under the shadowy sheen of our own 
banner, it is there that I should like to make my per- 
manent home. But no true American can entertain 
the idea of makincr a home under a foreign flae. 

I visited the largest cigar factory in the world, and 
saw hundreds of ragged, dirty-looking men engaged 
in making fragrant Havanas. These men looked un- 
tidy, and when they thrust their dirty fingers into small 
boxes containing filthy paste to finish up each cigar, I 
then and there resolved that I would never again bite 
off the end of another cigar, but remove It with a knife. 
In fact, cleanliness and possibility of contagion clearly 
require all smoking to be done through an amber 
mouth-piece. But why smoke at all ? It is an expen- 
sive, dirty habit, injurious to health, and no good what- 
ever was ever known to result from it ; on the contrary. 
It is a narcotic poison, which is slowly but surely satu- 
rating nearly all of the young men In the country, the 
natural tendency of which is to shorten their lives. 
The clothing of all those who indulge In the needless, 
vulgar, filthy habit Is so saturated with the fumes of 
tobacco as to offend the delicate nostrils of ladies and 
all orentlemen who abstain from the use of clears. 
Parents do not appear to know that their boys begin 
to smoke when very young, and when they are twenty 
the habit Is fastened upon them. Not long since I saw 
a little Irish boy, about twelve years old, puffing away 
at a cigar with an earnestness worthy of something 



156 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

better, I said to him, " My son, do you want to know 
how to make money ?" " Yes," he replied, " that is the 
sort of a fellow I am." " Well," said I, " if you will stop 
smoking and save all the money you would otherwise 
expend for cigars, by the time you are as old as I am 
you will have money enough to buy a farm." With a 
motion of his head which signified his contempt for me, 
he remarked, " I don't want any farm ; I am going to 
be an alderman and a political boss." 

All thino-s beinor }n readiness we sailed from Havana, 
encountering some rough weather, but reached New 
York in safety, where we found the greatest excite- 
ment-existing in consequence of the bombardment of 
Fort Sumter and the firing upon the volunteers in 
the streets of Baltimore. The very capital of the 
nation was threatened by an armed force from Vir- 
ginia. As we steamed into the harbor of New York, 
it was easily seen that from every house-top, dome, 
and steeple the stars and stripes floated to the breeze. 
Everything wore the aspect of a gala day, and the 
people seemed to be on one grand picnic, little think- 
ing of the solemnity of the occasion. Without 
thought of the trials, troubles, and bloodshed through 
which our people had to pass, they rushed wildly about, 
apparently Imagining that the war was to be termi- 
nated by " three cheers and a tiger." There were sad 
hearts on our vessel. There were a number of officers 
from the South who left us here to join the troops of 
their respective States ; and when I recall the bitter- 
ness of their sorrow at severing the ties which had 
bound us together, I realize fully the fact that they 
were not the promoters of the war, had no desire to 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 157 

engage in it, and only left us under the mistaken notion 
that their allegiance was due first to the States in which 
they were born. I have always thought that those 
officers who left us were harshly criticised for their 
act. Joining in rebellion against a government like 
ours cannot be justified, but it should be remembered 
that their friends were in the South, and it was quite 
natural that some should leave the Federal army and 
join them even if they had been sure of overthrow 
and defeat. This actuated many, and I know of many 
who left and at the same time condemned the action 
of the Southern States. It was an easy matter for a 
man in the North to be loyal, for his friends and prop- 
erty interests were there; but it required patriotism of 
high order for one to stand by the Union and take up 
arms against his father and his brothers. Strong 
appeals came to me, one of which I recall : " Can it 
be possible that you are to remain with the Yankees 
and take up arms against the soil which holds the 
sacred ashes of your father and mother? Can it be 
possible that we are to meet on opposite sides and 
fight and possibly kill each other?" 

Let us then be charitable to those who left, many 
of whom went against their own convictions of rioht 
under the pressure of family influence. I could men- 
tion many who were carried away just by the influence 
from the homes of their childhood, and who, when 
they handed in their resignations and bade us good- 
by, wept bitterly over the thought of breaking up old 
and tried friendships. There is one singular circum- 
stance connected with the selection of sides by many 
of the officers, and I have never heard it mentioned by 



158 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

any one. Every Northern officer married to a South- 
ern wife joined in the rebellion against the United 
States, and every Southern officer whose wife was 
from the North remained loyal to the government. 
I do not say that these wives had any influence upon 
the loyalty or disloyalty to the government of their 
better halves ; I merely mention the fact and let each 
reader decide the matter for himself. 

The cavalry on board the " Empire City" was 
ordered to Carlisle Barracks for a remount, where it 
arrived April 27, 1861, and united with the other 
companies of the regiment, under the command of 
Major George H. Thomas. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



159 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Poor Horses — Grinding Sabres — Taking Oath of Allegiance — 
How to Dispose of Wife and Children — Union, Constitution, 
and Enforcement of Laws — Firing Harper's Ferry — General 
Patterson at Chambersburg — Living on tiie Fat of the Land — 
Fed by Patriotic Men and Women — Philadel|)hia City Troop — 
Where to Cross Potomac — Falling Waters — Mr. Lincoln, etc. 

On the trip from New York to Carlisle Barracks 
we passed through a village of Dunkers. These 
people, like the Quakers, do not believe in settling 
difficulties by force of arms, yet they comfort and 
encourage those who do go to war by supplying plain 
food to combatants who pass near them. In this 
village a committee had been formed to board every 
passing train, upon which there were troops, with 
baskets filled with sandwiches for distribution. One 
of these men asked an officer from what State the 
troops came. He replied, "This is the Second Cavalry, 
from Texas." The word Texas seemed to grate upon 
his nerves. He looked wildly around to see if Texas 
had captured the Union, and then with a rush jumped 
from the train. The Dunkers had no bread for 
soldiers from Texas, even if they were loyal United 
States troops. 

When our companies reached Carlisle Barracks 
great confusion existed, as is the case when cavalry- 
men have no horses. A cavalry soldier is incomplete 
without his horse, and we had yet to provide a re- 



l6o ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

♦ 

mount Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, gave a 
contract to some of his friends to supply about one 
thousand horses. These were brought in from day to 
day for examination by a board of our own officers. 
Such as were approved were accepted and paid for 
by the quartermaster. It was spring of the year, and 
the animals brought in had thrown off their winter 
coats, were well groomed, and looked sleek and fat. 
When enough had been received they were distrib- 
uted among the companies, as far as possible making 
the color in each company uniform. As soon as we 
began to use these animals on the hard pikes of Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland, and Virginia we found that many 
worthless horses had been palmed off upon us by the 
good people of Pennsylvania, who were much more 
anxious to get high prices for their stock than they 
were to make the ' cavalry efficient and thus more 
readily put down the rebellion. The horses in my 
company, at the end of the third day's march, had 
swollen legs, many were lame, and the company was 
practically on foot. The contractor who furnished 
this mount must have made an independent fortune 
in this his first contract. 

While we were yet at Carlisle Barracks I went out 
to the carpenter's shop one day and found one of our 
captains superintending the grinding of the sabres of 
his company. I asked him why he was doing so, and 
he replied, "To more readily cut off rebel heads." In 
a few days this officer went off to settle his family, 
and, falling in with some of his relatives, was Induced 
to send in his resignation, and within ten days he was 
in the rebel army, where he became a very distin- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. i6i 

guished officer, as he would have done In the Union 
army had he not fallen under the influence of his 
friends. If he had remained loyal, his fine record and 
commanding appearance would have secured pro- 
motion and he would have been one of our great 
leaders. Knowing this officer as well as I do, I have 
always regretted his final determination, believing that 
the natural affection of his heart was on the Union 
side; but when he went over he did so with all his 
heart, mind, and soul, and was as true in his allegiance 
to the South as the needle to the pole. About this 
time each officer began to suspect the other. No one 
knew who would be the next one to leave, and some 
few were suspicious of the loyalty of all the others. 
The loyalty of one officer was suspected by another 
because in placing the stamp on a letter he had inad- 
vertently turned Washington's head downward instead 
of upward. This suspicious one thought that " no 
loyal man would turn the image of the Father of his 
Country upside down." 

Every officer of the army had taken the oath of alle- 
giance to the United States Government on entering 
the service, but the Washington authorities directed that 
it be again administered. This was thought to be an 
uncalled-for insult to every officer in the army, and I 
spoke to Major Thomas in relation to it. His reply was, 
"I do not care a snap of my finger about it. If they 
want me to take the oath before each meal I am ready 
to comply." So we were again sworn to "bear true 
faith and allegiance to the United States of America 
against all her enemies and opposers whomsoever." 

We were soon to move against the enemy, and the 



i62 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

disposition to be made of my wife and children was a 
subject of deep moment. Neither of us had homes 
to which they could go, and it seemed like abandon- 
ment to leave them at a hotel or boarding-house among 
strano-ers. But somethinor had to be done, for it was 
certain that they could not accompany me in the field. 
I finally decided on taking them to my brother's, in 
Owensboro', Kentucky. There they were surrounded 
by rebels, and one woman, who passed for a lady, once 
said to my wife, " I would like to see the Ohio River 
run red with Yankee blood." My wife was a native 
of a Northern State, and as I was a loyal man of course 
I was classified among the Yankees. Unlady-like ex- 
pressions of this character coming to her ears every 
day — not, of course, from any member of my brother's 
family — made her life miserable, and she wrote to me 
that she could endure it no longer. That same night 
I rode forty miles on horseback, so as to take the 
morning train for the West. In three days I was with 
her, and in three days more my entire family was com- 
fortably quartered at the Jones Hotel, in Harrisburg ; 
surrounded, it is true, by strangers, but they were 
loyal people and friendly. That short trip to Ken- 
tucky served to intensify, if possible, her loyalty, while 
her brief experience strengthened me in my love for 
the Union and in my hatred of treason and non-com- 
batant traitors, both male and female. I have respect 
for a man who will brave the dangers of the battle- 
field in defence of his principles, but none whatever 
for one who is too cowardly to fight for what he be- 
lieves to be right. 

It will be remembered that in i860 there were four 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 163 

Presidential candidates, — Lincoln, Douglas, Breckin- 
ridge, and Bell, the last named being the candidate of 
the American party, whose platform was brief but 
comprehensive : " The Union, the Constitution, and the 
enforcement of the laws." I was a sympathizer with 
Breckinridge, believing that he had been wrongfully 
defeated for the nomination in the National Conven- 
tion, in Charleston. After the election was over and 
Mr. Lincoln was declared elected and civil war seemed 
imminent, my brother. Dr. John M. Johnson, a senator 
in the Kentucky Legislature, who had been a warm 
supporter of Mr. Bell, wrote to know how I stood on 
the political questions of the day. He was anxious to 
know if I was o-oinof to bear arms against the South. 
I replied, " I stand to-day where you stood last Novem- 
ber, on ' the Union, the Constitution, and the enforce- 
ment of the laws.' " This was the platform upon which 
I stood throughout the war. From early boyhood I 
learned to venerate Mr. Clay, and his political views 
were mine because they were Mr. Clay's. When the 
Whig party was wiped out of existence I drifted, nat- 
urally enough, into the Democratic party, where I have 
ever been, though not an " offensive partisan" by any 
means ; yet I generally find it consonant with my feel- 
ings to vote the straight Democratic ticket, and will 
probably continue to do so unless a new party is formed 
embracing; the better elements of both. 

While we were hastening our preparations for 
taking the field, the rebels were equally active, and 
soon appeared in threatening attitude near the nation's 
capital. To save it from capture the first troops or- 
ganized were sent forward to Washington as rapidly 



I 64 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

as possible. The six companies of our regiment first 
mounted were hurried off in that direction. Compa- 
nies A, C, F, and K, being the last companies to arrive 
at Carlisle Barracks, were the last to be supplied with 
horses and placed upon a war footing. 

Simultaneously with the appearance of a rebel force 
in front of Washington, General Joseph E. Johnston, 
in command of a force variously estimated, marched 
to and took possession of Harper's Ferry. This was 
a very important point, as the United States Govern- 
ment had an arsenal there, with all the machinery 
necessary for manufacturing arms. The storehouses 
were well filled with muskets, ammunition, etc., etc. 
We had a small command at Harper's Ferry, which, on 
the appearance of such overwhelming numbers, fired 
the public buildings and withdrew. The fires were 
extinguished, presumably by the citizens, and no great 
damage was done to either buildino-s or stores. 

The presence of Johnston's force created consterna- 
tion in Pennsylvania, as it seemed to threaten invasion 
of that State, and the good people called loudly and 
lustily for an army to be interposed between them and 
the enemy. It was not the Macedonian cry of " Come 
over and help us," but come over and save us from 
the invasion of a terrible army with banners. 

When the rude bullets of the enemy whistle around 
our uncovered heads, it is astonishing how popular the 
soldier becomes. 

" God and the soldier all men adore, 
In times of war, but not before. 
When the war is over and all things righted, 
God is forgotten, and the soldier is slighted." 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



165 



In response, however, to the earnest and persistent 
call for troops, a force was concentrated at Chambers- 
burg, and General Robert Patterson, a veteran of the 
war of 181 2, and also of the Mexican war, tendering 
his services to the United States Government, was 
commissioned major-general and assigned to that 
command. As no army is complete without cavalry, 
Patterson asked that the four companies of our regi- 
ment, then at Carlisle Barracks, be assigned to duty 
with his command. His request was granted, and 
George H. Thomas, who had been promoted to the 
position of colonel of the regiment, was ordered to 
move at once with companies A, C, F, and K to Cham- 
bersburg and report to the commanding general. 
These companies had been held in readiness to move 
at a moment's notice, so there was no delay. The 
command moved out, passing through a number of 
small villages whose patriotic inhabitants always met 
us with the good things of life. On that march no 
soldier was compelled to subsist on the government 
ration, but all lived on the very fat of the land fur- 
nished by the patriotic men and women along our 
route. On May 27, 1861, we reached Chambersburg 
and encamped in a beautiful piece of open woodland 
adjoining the town. Thomas was assigned to the 
command of a brigade, to which the four cavalry com- 
panies were assigned. 

The Philadelphia City Troop, composed of the very 
flower of Philadelphia society, voluntered for ninety 
days and was assigned to duty with our cavalry. The 
troop was commanded by Captain James, and his 
lieutenants were Price and Camac. Price was not 



I 66 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

with the troop, being on staff duty elsewhere. To 
give an idea of the character of this body of men, it 
was said that each member was a man of reasonable 
fortune. All were men of education and refinement. 
Hon. Samuel J. Randall was first sergeant. These 
men submitted to regular military discipline with the 
air of veterans, and were as good soldiers as any with 
whom I met during the war. 

The officers of the old army, who had for so many 
years learned to lean upon General Scott, — the greatest 
soldier the country had produced up to that time, — 
began now to realize that this grand old man would 
soon be compelled, on account of infirmities incident 
to age, to retire from active duties. In looking over 
the army officers from whom his successor would 
doubtless be selected, I confess that great doubt and 
uncertainty rested upon all. Who could possibly fill 
his place was the question uppermost in the minds of 
many. At the same time we who had learned to rely 
upon the great ability of Clay, Webster, and Calhoun, 
and a few others to extricate us from every national 
difficulty, looked to the United States Senate to see 
upon whose shoulders their mantles had fallen. Alas! 
their places were vacant. Mr, Lincoln, whose patriot- 
ism no one doubted, was an untried man. Truly the 
future looked dark and foreboding in the early days 
of 1861. 

Experience has taught the nation a lesson. When 
God requires a people to do a great work. He invari- 
ably furnishes the man or men to carry it out. When 
Sherman, Sheridan, and all that long list and line of 
distinguished military men have passed away, in God's 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



167 



own time He will not only supply others, but greater 
ones, if necessary to meet the exigencies He may 
create. 

The perpetuity of the American Republic does not 
depend upon any one man or any number of men. 
When Mr, Lincoln was cruelly and brutally murdered, 
after having enwrapped himself in the love and affec- 
tion of every loyal man and woman in the land, the 
government moved right on in its accustomed orbit 
without vibration or perceptible friction. The Senate 
in 1 861 was composed of men of obscurity compared 
with those master-minds to whom I have referred, but 
there was a number who proved themselves equal to 
the emergency, and will be regarded as men of great 
ability, whose names will ever be associated with the 
downfall of the (jreat rebellion. And so it is : God 
furnishes not only soldiers, but statesmen to carry on 
the work He requires of nations and of peoples. 

It was at Chambersburof that I first served with 
volunteers. While there 1 found it to be dangerous 
to be out of my tent after "taps." It is usual to 
challenge a passer-by, and if no reply is made then 
fire at him. But the volunteers reversed the order of 
things, — they fired first and challenged afterwards. 
Often the stillness of the nipfht would be broken in 
upon with — Bang ! " Who goes there ?" The sentinel 
would kill his man first and then inquire who he was. 
Of course, the men were new and soon learned better. 
The greater part of them went into the three years' 
service and made most excellent soldiers; but while 
they were learning their duty, woe unto those who 
passed their posts after " taps." 



1 68 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

While at Chambersburg a controversy arose be- 
tween the Q-eneral-in-chief and General Patterson in 
regard to the point at which the command of the latter 
should cross the Potomac into the State of Vircrinia. 
Patterson urged to be allowed to cross at Leesburg, 
but he was overruled and directed to cross the river at 
Williamsport. I shall always believe that Patterson 
was right and the general-in-chief wrong. In crossing 
at Williamsport, McDowell and Patterson were placed 
on exterior lines, while Beauregard and Johnston oc- 
cupied interior lines, thus enabling them to unite and 
defeat McDowell, and with equal ease they might have 
turned ao-ainst Patterson and driven him out of the 
Shenandoah Valley, thus defeating every organized 
force and leaving Washington a matter of easy cap- 
ture. It mattered not at which place Patterson 
crossed, so far as Johnston's army was concerned, for 
in either event he would have threatened the rebel 
line of communication, and the evacuation of Harper's 
Ferry and the occupation of Winchester by Johnston 
would have necessarily followed. If, however, Patter- 
son had been at Leesburg he would have been within 
supporting distance of McDowell, and could have 
joined him sooner than Johnston could have effected a 
junction with Beauregard. If Patterson's plan had 
been adopted the Federal army would have been vic- 
torious at Bull Run, and not been required to suffer a 
humiliatino- defeat. 



IN PEACE AND IVAR. 



169 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Battle of Falling Waters — Consolidation of all Mounted Regiments 
— Thomas appointed Brigadier-General and ordered to Report 
to General Anderson in Kentucky — Appointed Lieutenant-Col- 
onel of Kentucky Cavalry — Mr. Lincoln's Kind Interest — Beau 
Hickman — Commodore Vanderbilt's Son — Visit to the Theatre. 

Soon after crossing Into Virginia the advance ar- 
rived at Falling Waters, where " Stonewall" Jackson, 
then not so distinguished, was encountered and de- 
feated. Our column pushed on to Martinsburg. Here 
an order was received from General Scott, directing 
General Patterson to press General Johnston so closely 
as to prevent him from reinforcing Beauregard, and 
announclnof the fact that McDowell was to move 
against the enemy in his front on the following Tues- 
day. Patterson was instructed to occupy Johnston 
until after that day, when he was authorized to trans- 
fer his troops and headquarters to Charlestown. A 
forward movement was ordered, and he marched to 
Bunker Hill. For several days reconnoissances were 
made in the direction of Winchester. On the Thurs- 
day following the Tuesday upon which the battle of 
Bull Run was to have been fought, the writer was sent 
forward in command of a body of infantry and cavalry 
to ascertain if Johnston was still at Winchester. Find- 
ing him there in force, on the following morning Pat- 
terson moved his army to Charlestown, and Johnston 
fell back and joined Beauregard on Sunday evening in 



170 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

time to participate in the closing- battle of that clay. 
The Federal army was put to flight, the country disap- 
pointed, and the heart of the enemy filled with joy un- 
speakable at his apparent success. It is an astound- 
ing fact that, notwithstanding Patterson's army was 
within telegraphic communication with Washington, 
nothing was heard of the delay to offer battle on Tues- 
day, nor of the result of the battle on Sunday, until the 
arrival of the Philadelphia newspapers in our camp on 
Monday morning. 

Patterson's army was composed almost entirely of 
three months' men, whose terms of service expired 
about the last of July ; and when they were " mustered 
out," General Patterson was honorably discharged, and 
returned to his home in Philadelphia. 

The battle of Bull Run, terminating as it did, in- 
spired the Southern people with hope and courage. 
In all parts of the South the wildest enthusiasm was 
manifested. Young and old flocked to the cities to 
enlist under the Confederate banner and prepare for 
war. About this time the Legislature of Kentucky 
called for General Anderson, the hero of Fort Sumter, 
to take charge of the Union troops in that State. 
President Lincoln acceded to the request, and ordered 
Anderson to the command of that department, desig- 
natinof General W. T. Sherman as his associate. 

On the 3d of August, Congress passed a law con- 
solidating the dragoons, mounted rifles, and cavalry 
into one arm of service, to be known as cavalry. The 
First and Second Drao^oons became the First and 
Second Cavalry, the Mounted Rifles the Third Cav- 
alry, and the First and Second Cavalry became the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 171 

Fourth and Fifth. The same act authorized an ad- 
ditional regiment, which was known as the Sixth. 
This consohdation wrought great injustice to many of 
the old officers of the drao^oons and rifles who had to 
take rank under those whom they had formerly ranked. 
To illustrate: J. P. Hatch entered the army four years 
before I did, but in the new regiment I attained the 
rank of captain before he did in the rifles. When we 
were united, he had to take his place on the lineal list 
below me. In other cases the apparent injustice was 
even greater. There were many reasons why we op- 
posed the consolidation. The reputation made by the 
Second Cavalry the regimental officers were extremely 
proud of, and now it seemed that we had to begin 
over as^ain under a new name. The same feelino-, 
doubtless, prevailed in other regiments. 

On August 17, Colonel George H. Thomas was ap- 
pointed brigadier-general of volunteers, and ordered 
to report to General Anderson, at Louisville. Soon 
after he left I received a letter from Hon. James S. 
Jackson, the member of Congress from the district in 
Kentucky in which I had formerly resided, informing 
me that he was going back to his State to raise a regi- 
ment of cavalry, and wanted me to accompany him and 
accept the position of lieutenant-colonel. At once I 
rode into Washington to confer with him. The only 
way this could be done was to get a leave of absence, 
to enable me to accept the position. I called on Ad- 
jutant-General Thomas and submitted the question to 
him. He objected, as I expected he would, said that 
regular officers if permitted to accept volunteer com- 
missions would break up the army, — that the proper 



172 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

place for all regular army officers was with their com- 
panies, etc., etc. I left him convinced that one or the 
other of us was wanting in common sense, and I was 
charitable enough to myself to believe that I was not 
so wanting. With a sorrowful heart I proceeded to 
Jackson's rooms to report progress. " Well," said he, 
" Dick, we won't give it up yet. To-night we will go 
up and see Mr. Lincoln." At the designated hour I 
was on hand, and soon we were ushered into the pres- 
ence of the President. Jackson stated the case, and 
Mr. Lincoln said, " Come up in the morning at ten 
o'clock, and I will go over with you to see Mr. Thomas." 
But said I, " Mr. President, I have seen him, and he ob- 
jects on the ground that so many regular officers are 
leaving their commands that it will break up the army." 
"Well, well," said Mr. Lincoln, " we will go to see him 
any way." Promptly at ten o'clock we were again at 
the Executive Mansion. As I approached the Presi- 
dent he extended his hand and said, " Good-morning, 
my Confederate friend." For a moment I wondered 
why he had addressed me as his Confederate friend, 
but soon learned that as Kentucky was balancing be- 
tween the United States and the Confederacy, and as 
both of us hailed from that State, we were naturally 
" Confederate friends." We proceeded at once to 
General Thomas's office, where the President became 
spokesman. He said, " General Thomas, I would like 
to have a leave of absence granted to my Confederate 
friend, Captain Johnson, to enable him to accept the 
position of lieutenant-colonel of a Kentucky cavalry 
regiment." " It cannot be done," said Thomas. "But," 
said Mr. Lincoln, straightening himself up until he 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



-^11 



looked to be fifteen feet high, " I have not come over 
to discuss this question with you, General Thomas, but 
to order you to give the necessary instructions." " Ah, 
well," said Thomas, " it will all be right." Then I knew 
it would be. In less than an hour I had my order in 
my pocket. In the course of the evening I stepped 
into a tailor-shop to get measured for a lieutenant- 
colonel's uniform, and directed that it be sent to me at 
Louisville, Kentucky. On reaching the pavement I 
was accosted by a rather seedy-looking fellow by 
" Helloa, colonel !" I remember thinking, how can it be 
possible that my promotion is known so soon ? Have 
I jumped in a few moments from an obscure captain 
to a colonel, and become so generally known that even 
this seedy-looking fellow knows me? He continued, 
saying that his supplies were cut off by the attitude 
the South had taken, and that he did not have money 
enough to buy medicines. He remarked, " You don't 
seem to know me, which argues yourself unknown." 
As quick as flash the thought came over me, this is 
none other than Beau Hickman, and such proved to 
be the case. I asked him what was the extent of his 
necessities, and he replied, about fifty cents. He was 
so modest in his demand that I gave him the money 
and passed into the hotel. 

Seating myself in a good, comfortable chair to watch 
the crowd coming in and going out, a dapper young 
man came up to me and asked if I was Colonel John- 
son, to which I replied affirmatively. He said, " I am 
the son of Commodore Vanderbilt, and am here out 
of money. I would like to borrow fifty dollars until 
morning, when my father will send me a large remit- 



174 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



tance." I wondered to myself if it could be possible 
that there was anything about my personal appearance 
that made this fellow believe that I was from the 
country, and therefore easily imposed upon. I was 
genteelly dressed, had seen a great deal of the world, 
and did not feel like a greenhorn by any means. I 
replied that I was to leave the city early in the morn- 
ing, yet if he would send a despatch to his father and 
have him telegraph back that his draft would be 
honored I would get the money for him. He left 
saying that he would do so at once. From that time 
to this, it is needless to say, I have not seen Com- 
modore Vanderbilt's son. 

Probably there is a period in every boy's life when 
he is not very well informed in regard to the ways of 
the world. My father was a physician as well as a 
minister of the gospel, and taught me that the theatre 
was the " very gate of hell." So deeply had he im- 
pressed this thought upon my mind that I had never 
attended one, fearing that his satanic majesty might 
seize upon and hold me as one of his permanent 
boarders. On my way up the Ohio River, e?i route 
to West Point, I fell in with quite a number of Western 
merchants on their way East to purchase goods. At 
Wheeline w6 left the boat to take the staoe over the 
mountains, but had to remain over night. After tea 
one of them proposed that we should all go to the 
theatre. I was ashamed to decline, and so went with 
them at the proper time. I cannot now recall the 
play, but remember well the closing scene. It rep- 
resented a violent storm at sea. Angry and porten- 
tous clouds darkened the heavens. A vessel in sight 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



175 



was tossed by the mighty waves, whicli were lashed 
into a fury by the heavy winds. Lightnings flashed and 
thunders rolled. At last the electric current struck the 
vessel, and calcium lights were thrown upon it. This 
being the closing scene, the rowdies began to rush 
out. Seeing the commotion, it flashed across my 
mind — it is real, the house is on fire. With a bound 
I started for the door, riding over men, women, and 
children. I heard some one say, " He is crazy." I did 
not stop to refute the charge, but kept on until I was 
out in the pure open air. In double-quick I hastened 
to the hotel, and there awaited the return of my friends. 
When they came in, I asked if there were many lives 
lost in the conflagration. Then it was that I learned 
it was only a scenic display. It was many years after 
this that I met Commodore Vanderbilt's son. 

Arranging all of my affairs in Washington, I returned 
to my company in order to turn over the public prop- 
erty for which I was responsible, and, having accom- 
plished that, I took the first train for the West, reach- 
ing Louisville on the evening of September 17, 1861. 
I found the wildest excitement prevailing, occasioned 
by the seizure of the up-bound train from Nashville 
by General Simon B. Buckner, who had embarked his 
command thereon and was at that time en route to 
Louisville, — in fact, expected during the evening. 
After takino^ tea at the Gait House I walked out on 
the street, where it seemed that the entire population 
had assembled in groups to discuss the situation. It 
did not take long to ascertain that a large majority of 
them hoped to fall into Buckner's hands before the 
following morning, their sympathies being with him 



176 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

and against the government which had protected them 
so lonof. Well do I remember that memorable nio-ht. 
All was excitement, chaos, and confusion. Fast- 
fleeting clouds were passing, occasionally obscuring 
the lieht of the moon, and in a moment the darkness 
was that of night, and the next almost as light as day. 
It appeared to me then that this alternate light and 
darkness very fitly represented the disloyal and the 
loyal elements at that time in the city. The rebels 
were bright and joyful over the approach of General 
Buckner with his command, while the loyal people 
were in the dark valley of sadness and sorrow at the 
apparent prospect of falling under rebel rule. Many 
of the Union men, instead of taking up arms to defend 
their homes and their firesides, fled across the river, 
seeking safety in the State of Indiana. Indeed, it was 
a dark, gloomy night to every patriotic heart in Ken- 
tucky. As the train neared Elizabethtown, by a for- 
tunate circumstance it was derailed, and by the time 
all things were ready to move forward General 
Buckner concluded not to attempt the capture of the 
city, but to halt and encamp in the neighborhood of 
that village. General Lovell H. Rousseau, one of the 
original Union men of Louisville, had established 
Camp Joe Holt on the Indiana side of the river, and 
enlisted a reofiment which was known as the Louisville 
Legion. During the evening of the 17th he was 
ordered to move two regiments across the river. 
With the measured tread of disciplined soldiers they 
marched through the streets to the Nashville depot, 
where transportation was furnished to take the com- 
mand to the Rolline Fork of Salt River. When the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 177 

leeion was known to be between Louisville and Gen- 
eral Buckner's command, the Unionists felt more 
secure. On the following- day the home guards, 
composed of a number of independent companies of 
Louisville, were called out and placed under my 
command. In compliance with instructions, I moved 
to Lebanon Junction and established a camp. Of the 
composition of this command and the services per- 
formed by It I shall have more to say in a succeeding 
chapter. In a few days troops came pouring Into 
Kentucky from Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois ; and the 
home guards, being no longer required, were dis- 
banded and I was ordered to proceed to Owensboro', 
the designated rendezvous of Jackson's cavalry. It 
was expected that It would be the First Regiment, 
but in some way it became known as the Third Ken- 
tucky Cavalry. 

During all this time I had been expecting my uni- 
form for which I had been measured in Washington, 
but it came not. I wrote to the tailor, who informed 
me that It had been sent by express weeks before. I 
had the agent of the company send what he called a 
" tracer" in search of the box. It was found In Pitts- 
burg, where it had been seized by some over-officious 
official as "contraband of war." Being marked Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel R. W. Johnson, First Kentucky Cavalry, 
Louisville, Kentucky, the official imagined that it was a 
uniform for a rebel, and hence he seized and held it. 
On proving my loyalty, which required considerable 
correspondence, the box was finally forwarded, and I 
received it after my arrival in Owensboro'. Our 
regiment and another had taken possession of the 



178 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

fair grounds. Recruits flocked in rapidly, and the 
prospect was flattering for an early organization. Be- 
fore the companies were filled to the maximum I 
determined on returning to Harrisburg to remove my 
family to Kentucky again, intending to rent suitable 
accommodations in Louisville. On my arrival in that 
city I reported to General Sherman, who had relieved 
General Anderson in the command of the department, 
and he informed me that he had on the day previous 
recommended me for promotion to the rank of briga- 
dier-general ; in fact, he showed me a despatch from 
President Lincoln, in which he said, " In compliance 
with your request, I will appoint Wood and Johnson 
to-morrow." This was a rank I had hardly hoped to 
attain, and the thought uppermost in my mind was, am 
I competent to discharge the duties ? Of this I was 
satisfied, — that I should do the best I could ; and I was 
greatly encouraged to hope for success, judging by 
many of the appointments which had been already 
made. I thouofht if some of those who had been com- 
missioned could command a brigade of men, I certainly 
ought to be able to do so. I telegraphed to my wife 
to hold herself in readiness to move at a moment's 
notice; so when I arrived in Harrisburg she was ready, 
and without delay we set out for Louisville. My com- 
mission dated from October 11, 1861, and I accepted 
it on October 14, 1861. At once I asked for the 
appointment of Henry Clay, of Kentucky, as captain 
and assistant adjutant-general United States volun- 
teers, and his assignment to duty at my headquarters. 
Clay was the son of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Clay, 
who was killed at the battle of Buena Vista, Mexico, 



IN PEACE AND WAR. j-q 

and the grandson of the immortal Henry Clay, the 

orator and statesman. Young Clay was a man of fine 

promise. His education had been thorough, and he 

was a gentleman in every sense of the term. Exposure 

in camp brought on typhoid fever, from which he died. 

The following is a copy of the letter communicating to 

me my appointment as brigadier-general United States 

volunteers : 

War Department, 

October 1 1, 1861. 
Sir: 

You are hereby informed that the President of the United States 
has appointed you Brigadier-General of Volunteers in the service 
of the United States, to rank as such from the eleventh day of Octo- 
ber, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one. Should the Senate 
at their next session advise and consent thereto, you will be com- 
missioned accordingly. 

Immediately on receipt hereof, please to communicate to this 
department, through the Adjutant-General's Office, your accept- 
ance or non-acceptance of said appointment; and, with your letter 
of acceptance, return to the Adjutant-General of the army the 
OATH herewith enclosed, properly filled up, subscribed and at- 
tested, reporting at the same time your age, residence, when 
appointed, and the state in which you were born. 

Should you accept, you will at once report, by letter, for orders, 
to Brigadier-General W. T. Sherman, at Louisville, Kentucky. 

Thomas A. Scott, 

Acting Secretary of War. 

Brigadier-General Richard W. Johnson, 
U. S. Volunteers. 



I So A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER XV. 

Report to General McCook — Assigned to Command a Brigade — 
Measles — Board to Examine Incompetent Officers — Mill Springs 
— Enter Nashville — Army well supplied — Shiloh — Bulger — Gen- 
eral Grant's fondness for Horses. 

Agreeably to instructions, I reported to General 
Sherman in person, and he directed me to proceed to 
the front and report to Brigadier-General A. McD. 
McCook. As soon as Sherman reheved General 
Anderson he began the concentration of troops on 
NoHn Creek, on the line of the Louisville and Nash- 
ville Railroad. McCook named this camp in honor of 
the owner of the soil, Camp Neven. It was at this 
camp that I reported for duty, and it became a grand 
school of instruction for both officers and men. 

Camp Neven will long be remembered by the troops 
stationed there. Here they learned for the first time 
something of the hardships of a soldier's life. Change 
of diet, wet, cold, and disagreeable weather, produced 
disease, and at one time the camp was little more than 
one vast field-hospital. McCook assigned me to the 
command of the Sixth Brigade, composed of the Fif- 
teenth and Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, Thirty-second 
and Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteers. The field-officers 
of the Fifteenth were colonel, Moses R. Dickey ; lieu- 
tenant-colonel, ; major, William Wallace ; those 

of the Forty-ninth, colonel, W. H. Gibson ; lieuten- 
ant-colonel, Blackman ; and major, Lewis Drake, 



IN PEACE AND WAR. igr 

The field-officers of the Thirty-second Indiana Vol- 
unteers were colonel, August Willich ; lieutenant- 
colonel, H. von Trebra ; and major, Schnackenburg. 
This regiment was composed of Germans only. The 
Thirty-ninth Indiana was officered as follows : Col- 
onel, Thomas J. Harrison ; lieutenant-colonel, F. A. 
Jones ; and major, John D. Evans. These were the 
officers and regiments with whom and with which 
I had to do. Daily drills, by company, by regiment, 
and by brigade, began at once. When sufficient 
progress had been made, I gave orders for a review, 
Willich came to my tent to know what he should do 
with his baggage on review. I told him that it would 
not be necessary to bring out his wagons and teams. 
"Oh," said he, "general, I do not mean wagons; but 
I want to know what I shall do with my baggage, 
the doctor and the chaplain." The command went 
through with the ceremony very creditably. 

Measles I had always understood to be a disease of 
childhood, and that few children ever escaped it. It 
astonished me to find that so many men had escaped 
it when boys to have it at Camp Neven. At one time 
there were so many men down with that disease that 
drills had to be discontinued. Cold, wet, disagreeable 
weather caused it to assume a dangerous character, or 
rather to run into some other malady which proved 
fatal. From my brigade alone I lost quite a large 
number by death, and as many more had to be dis- 
charged on surgeon's certificate of disabiHty. 

The field-officers to whom I have referred were all 
that I could wish for. They were intelligent, anxious 
and willing to learn, and took orreat interest in the 



1 82 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

welfare of their men. Throuoh their indefatig-able 
labors the troops were brought to great perfection in 
their duties. They were orderly and well behaved, 
both In camp and on the march; and on the battle-field 
none fought with more coolness and bravery. 

On the 9th day of December, 1861, McCook ordered 
me to move forward with my brigade to Mumfords- 
ville, on Green River; and on the 17th his entire 
command moved up, and here for long, weary weeks 
we floundered around in a sea of mud, which for mili- 
tary purposes was called Camp Wood, in honor of the 
father of General Thomas J. Wood, an old resident of 
that place, and one whose loyalty had never been 
questioned. 

Here examining boards were appointed to examine 
into the qualifications of the officers, with a view to 
ridding the service of incompetent and unworthy ones. 
In these examinations great Injustice was often done 
through prejudice on the part of regimental com- 
manders. There was one brought up before the 
board of which I was the president. I was satisfied 
that he had incurred the displeasure of his colonel, and 
that otherwise he was a good soldier. He seemed so 
anxious to serve his country and so mortified that he 
should be summoned to appear with the incompetents 
that I made up my mind he should not be driven out 
of his regiment, and so he was not reported against. 
I watched him closely ever after, and found that my 
estimate of him had been correct. The last time I re- 
member to have seen him he was commanding his 
company with an empty sleeve, having lost his arm In 
an act of lierolsm sufficient to Immortalize his name. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. i<^t^ 

In selecting- snro^eons and assistant surcreons for 
regiments, affection or partiality, rather than fitness, 
often dictated the appointments, and it became neces- 
sary to get rid of some of those who did not know 
the sartorius muscle from the femoral artery. The 
medical director on McCook's staff had a board ordered 
to examine such cases as he might send before it. 
This board was singularly constituted, — two line-offi- 
cers and the medical director. The line-officers were 
not supposed to be suitable judges of the qualifications 
of a physician, while the only one on the board who 
was supposed to know anything about the subject was 
the one who ordered the doctors before the board. 
Of course, they might have just as well sent in their 
resignations when notified to appear before a board so 
constituted, for their days were numbered. 

The greater part of a year had now passed with but 
one battle fought, and that was an inglorious defeat of 
our army. The country was becoming anxious. The 
longer we delayed, the better prepared would the 
rebels be when we did move against them. Mr. Lin- 
coln was anxious that something should be done, yet 
he did not know just how or where to begin. He did 
not feel like ignoring the commanders in the field by 
ordering a movement at once, feeling assured that thev 
ought to know when they were ready to strike. But 
our drooping spirits were greatly elated by the victory 
achieved by General George H. Thomas at Mill 
Springs, where the Confederate commander, General 
Felix A. Zollicoffer, was killed and his army dispersed. 
When compared with subsequent battles. Mill Springs 
was a small affair, but it was a beginning, and the 



1 84 -^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

troops fought nobly. The country was rejoiced, and 
a feeling prevailed that our army thereafter was not to 
be idle. In the mean time Sherman had been super- 
seded by General Don Carlos Buell, regarded in army 
circles at that time as one of the ablest o^enerals in the 
Federal service. He was a fine organizer and dis- 
ciplinarian, and seemed to grasp the magnitude of the 
rebellion, and the means necessary to suppress it. It 
has been said that Sherman was relieved because he 
crave utterance to his views that two hundred thousand 
men would be required in order to thoroughly stamp 
out the rebellion. Some said, " Sherman is crazy," 
but after all he was right, and spoke words of wisdom, 
which a few pig-headed men could not comprehend. 
Go to any insane asylum, and each inmate will insist 
that all the world is crazy, and he only is sane. Pos- 
sibly it was a parallel case that caused the sanity of 
Sherman to be questioned. 

Soon after this the army was put in motion in the 
direction of Nashville, and General Grant notified the 
commander at Fort Donelson that he proposed " to 
move against his works without delay." He carried 
his threat into execution, and captured the entire gar- 
rison except Generals Pillow and Floyd and their staffs. 
When it became evident that Grant would compel a 
surrender. Pillow, who had no taste for prison-life 
within the walls of a " Northern bastile," turned the 
command over to Floyd, and he, for a similar reason, 
relinquished in favor of General Buckner, who was too 
honorable to run away and abandon the command to 
its fate, but like a true soldier remained to share its 
fortunes. Pillow and Floyd escaped by boat to Nash- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



185 



ville, where they arrived on the Sabbath morning while 
the good people were in attendance upon divine ser- 
vice. Congregations were dismissed without the usual 
benediction, and all who could get away left before the 
arrival of the dreaded Yankee. 

Floyd remained in Nashville'long enough to cut the 
wires of the suspension bridge, and precipitate that 
grand structure in a shapeless mass to the bottom of 
the river. The rear of the column of fugitives was 
scarcely out of the city when Buell, with his magnifi- 
cent army, arrived on the north side of the Cumber- 
land River. Boats were procured, and the work of 
crossing began at once. By nine o'clock at night 
the troops were all over, and Nashville was in the 
possession of the Union army. The Federal army 
found a very bitter feeling prevailing in Nashville 
against the Yankees. From the breaking out of the 
war, orators, poets, the press, and the pulpit had united 
in instilling into the hearts of the masses the most 
deadly hatred against the Federal government. The 
soldiers were characterized as hirelings and scoun- 
drels, worse than the old Norsemen, who had been 
the terror and the shame of the world. The people 
had been told that when the Sunny South was dis- 
graced and humiliated by the tread of mercenary 
soldiers, barbarities, atrocities, and outrages worse 
than those ever perpetrated in the deepest, darkest 
night of heathenism would be heaped upon them by 
the Northern horde, Buell tried conciliation, and we 
soon found that his course had a happy effect upon 
those who had previously been so bitterly opposed to 



the general government. 



13 



1 86 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

I shall never forcjet the niaht we crossed the river 
and entered Nashville. A cold rain had been falling 
nearly all day, and when evening came the mercury 
fell below the freezing point. My brigade crossed 
after dark, and had to march out several miles on one 
of the pikes to the camp designated for McCook's 
command. My clothes, which had been thoroughly 
wet all day, were frozen on me, and of course every 
officer and soldier in the command was in the same 
plight. Arriving at the place, I was shown an open 
field in which to encamp for the night. This field 
was enclosed by a stone fence, which we could not 
burn, and there was no wood in sight; hence we 
could have no fires. In the absence of fire without, it 
was thought advisable to kindle one within ; accord- 
ingly, two barrels of whiskey were delivered to the 
brigade commissary for issue to the men. This 
seemed to arouse their drooping spirits, and they 
were enabled to endure the storm until morning. 
After pointing out to the regimental commanders 
where to bivouac their men, I observed a tent near by 
in which there was a light, and I went to it, hoping to 
find it occupied by an acquaintance or by a gentleman 
who would invite me to share it with him. I found 
the occupant to be a recently-appointed major in one 
of the new regular regiments, and I proceeded to 
thrust myself upon his hospitality. There was room 
enough in the tent for the major, myself, and staff, yet 
he seemed to regard us as intruders. Possibly we 
were, but the case was too desperate to stand on dig- 
nity or ceremony. Had he been an old ofiicer, or a 
clear-cut, thoroughbred gentleman, he would have 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



187 



gladly shared his tent with us ; but he was neither, and 
therefore io-norant of the usao-es common amone een- 
tlemen, and especially am.ong soldiers. The true sol- 
dier will divide his last crust of bread or share his 
blanket with a comrade ; for there are no ties that bind 
members of the human family so closely together as 
those forged in the furnace of common privations, 
common hardships, and common dangers. 

For some reason unknown, the Senate refused to 
confirm his appointment, and soon he " disappeared 
from history," 

On the following mornlncr General McCook selected 
suitable camping-grounds for each brigade, and soon 
they had immense log fires, their clothes were dried, 
the seething camp-kettle told of coffee, and the patient 
soldiers soon forgot the hardships and trials of the 
night before. On our way out from Nashville, on the 
previous evening, I noticed a young soldier struggling 
along without shoes. His feet were bleeding, and he 
was suffering from the intense cold. I had him mount 
my extra horse and ride into camp. Not a word of 
complaint was uttered by him, and I was astonished to 
see a man under such trying circumstances so light- 
hearted and happy. 

We read of the terrible hardships of the soldiers of 
the Revolution, but there were often cases in the war 
of the rebellion where there was as much suffering 
and as many privations as were endured and experi- 
enced by those brave and patriotic men to whom we 
are indebted for the liberty and freedom we enjoy. In 
the Revolutionary war none of the troops were prop- 
erly supplied, and all suffered. In the war of the 



1 88 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

rebellion supplies were abundant, and cases of suffering 
were rare and only temporary. 

When we remember the size of the army, it is 
wonderful how thoroughly the wants of its members 
were supplied from the very beginning of the war. If 
subsistence stores were at any time scarce, it was not 
for the want of them, but for the temporary derange- 
ment of our modes of transportation, which could not 
be foreseen or oruarded arainst. 

After a short delay General Buell moved his army 
south. On reaching Columbia it was necessary to 
construct a bridge before the troops could cross Duck 
River, and while encamped at that point I had a vio- 
lent attack of typhoid pneumonia, and my brigade 
surgeon informed me that my restoration was con- 
tingent upon more care and greater comforts than I 
could have in camp, so I was granted a sick-leave, and 
returned to my family in Louisville. Colonel W. H. 
Gibson, of the Forty- ninth Ohio, being the senior 
colonel, commanded the brigade ably and well during 
my absence. A few days after I left Columbia, Gen- 
eral Buell received a despatch from General Grant 
to hasten to his relief on the woocied banks of the 
Tennessee. 

Cutting down the transportation to the lowest limit, 
and leaving behind any and everything which would 
impede his progress, Buell moved with great rapidity. 
When forty miles away the booming of cannon was 
distinctly heard, and served to nerve the soldiers to 
extraordinary effort to reach the battle-field, that 
they might share in the glory to be achieved by our 
arms. Buell with his command arrived very oppor- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



189 



tunely on the memorable field of Shiloh. A great 
deal has been said and written about the management 
of the campaign leading to this conflict and about the 
battle itself. There are parties who contend that our 
troops were surprised and many captured in their 
tents, and this has been repeatedly denied over and 
over again. Without espousing the cause of either 
side, I can say that, in my opinion, and in the opinion 
of many others, Buell's timely arrival saved General 
Grant's army from overthrow and defeat, if not from 
complete and thorough annihilation itself. 

This battle was fought on the 6th and 7th days of 
April, 1862. 

On April 10 the news was received in Louisville, 
and although still far from being a well man, I took a 
steamer for Pittsburg Landing, where I arrived on 
April 14. The troops were still encamped on the 
battle-field, and everywhere were to be seen unmis- 
takable evidences of the fierceness of the conflict. 
Our dead had been decently buried. The enemy, 
before retiring, attempted to bury their dead within 
their own lines, but so imperfectly was it done that 
in many instances the bodies were not covered, and 
arms and feet projected from under the light covering 
of earth placed upon them. The stench was terrible, 
and it became necessary to detail parties to go over 
the field to cover up completely partially-exposed 
bodies. 

General H. W. Halleck had arrived on the field and 
assumed control of all the forces. General Grant was 
assigned as "second in command," a position about 
as important as the fifth wheel to a wagon. He felt 



190 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



keenly the degradation, but submitted like a true 
soldier, trusting to the future for vindication, and in 
due time it came. Had he asked to be relieved, it 
would have been granted, and that would have been 
the last of Ulysses S. Grant. 

A few days after my return I mounted my horse to 
ride over the battle-field. When out some distance I 
met a g-entleman mounted on a cream-colored horse 
who said to me, '' You have the only horse in this army 
which I prefer to my own," Supposing him to be 
some horse-fancier who either wanted to swap horses 
with me or buy mine, I said that I could not entertain 
the idea of parting with my horse. He is as good as 
he looks, and the best-broken horse I ever owned. 
He is fast, sure-footed, and handsome, and his gaits, 
either walk, trot, or gallop, are all easy. I could not 
replace him, and therefore he will die mine. The 
gentleman introduced himself as Grant. "What," 
said I, "General Grant?" "Yes, that is what they 
call me." It was the first time I ever met the 
general. 

While on the subject of horses, let me say that they 
are very much like men, either brave or cowardly, sen- 
sible or foolish. The horse upon which I was mounted 
when spoken to by General Grant, was both brave and 
sensible. He was not afraid of brass bands, and he 
would not flinch if a cannon was fired within a few 
feet of him. Such a horse is invaluable. " Bulger," as 
the groom called him, from his beautiful form, grace- 
ful carriage, and proud aristocratic appearance was 
better known throughout the army than his owner. I 
was not astonished that General Grant, a fine horse- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 191 

man, should fancy him on sight. It Is said that Gen- 
eral Grant, while he was President, fancied a horse he 
saw in a butcher's wagon. He purchased the animal 
for two hundred dollars, and had him delivered at the 
President's stables. A few days after this he took 
Senator Conkling to see his purchase. After Conk- 
ling had examined all his points, Grant asked him 
what he thought of the horse ? Conkling replied, " I 
would rather have the two hundred dollars." "That is 
just what the butcher thought," replied the President. 



192 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER XVI. 

March on Corinth — Conflict May 27 — Rebel takes Oath of Alle- 
giance — March to Bridgeport — Buell falls back to Louisville — 
Perryville — Rosecrans relieves Buell — Buell's Court of Inquiry 
— General Milroy and the Woman's Cow — Safe Places — Courage, 
Wounds, etc., etc. 

When General Halleck had made his arrange- 
ments, and had learned all about the country between 
Shiloh and Corinth through his corps of spies, he 
caused an order to be issued for a general forward 
movement of his entire army. 

The roads were in a wretched condition, and to 
make them passable for our artillery and baggage- 
wagons, miles and miles of "corduroy" had to be laid. 
This required much time, and our progress was neces- 
sarily slow. The roads gave abundant evidence, by 
the abandoned wagons and other property, of the de- 
moralization of the Confederate army when it fell back. 
After many days we arrived in front of Corinth, and 
within artillery range of the centre of the village. 
There were attached to our army about four hundred 
pieces of artillery, including light batteries and heavy 
siege-guns, and why Halleck did not let loose those 
dogs of war has ever been a mystery to me. I be- 
lieved then, as I believe now, that Beauregard and his 
entire army was completely at our mercy, that the last 
one of them could have been captured, or at least a 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 193 

sufficient number of them to practically destroy the 
usefulness of his army and break it up forever. 

Beauregard replaced his artillery by Quaker guns, 
— that is, cannon made of wood, — and our army was 
held at bay by this formidable array of Quaker artillery 
while he was eneagfed in movinof his stores and muni- 
tions of war. His evacuation was perfect, and he car- 
ried with him everything of value. Halleck captured 
many pieces of wooden artillery and a dirty, filthy 
town, and a few men who preferred to remain and be 
captured. This was considered a great victory, and 
throughout the North there was great rejoicing. Then 
followed a report that General Pope had captured 
about thirty thousand prisoners, or thereabouts, which 
caused still greater rejoicing. This last report, which 
had little or no foundation in fact, was the subject of 
some disagreement between Generals Pope and Hal- 
leck, but just how it was settled, if ever, I am not ad- 
vised. One thing is certain, and that is, only a few 
willing prisoners were taken at the capture of Corinth. 
On the day before the evacuation (May 27) my bri- 
gade was warmly engaged with some troops in its 
front. The firing was very heavy on both sides, but 
we drove the enemy to his intrenchments, and could 
have driven him beyond had there been a general 
movement of the entire line from right to left. 

Whenever a citizen of the country was arrested for 
disloyalty, the oath of allegiance was generally admin- 
istered to him, and then he was permitted to go his 
way. This was of such frequent occurrence that it 
became a by-word with the men. On one occasion a 
fellow called out, " I have got a- rattlesnake. What 



194 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

shall be done with him ?" A dozen voices cried out, 
"Administer the oath and let him go home." 

A good story was told of a deserter from '' Stonewall" 
Jackson's command. He came into the Federal lines, 
and wanted to know what he should do to become a 
loyal citizen. The officer showed him the oath to 
which he would have to subscribe. After reading it 
over, he said he could take the oath, which was then 
administered, " Now," said the reb, " am I entitled to 
the same privileges to which any Northern man is 
entitled? Am I to be henceforth considered one of 
you ?" Being assured that such would be the case as 
long as he maintained his loyalty, the reb coolly re- 
plied, " Then, didn't ' Stonewall' Jackson give us thun- 
der down on the Rapidan ?" 

McCook's division remained in camp near Corinth 
until June 6, and then moved and established a camp 
two miles south of Corinth. Here it remained until 
June lo, when, in conjunction with the other divisions 
of General Buell's army, it moved eastward into Ten- 
nessee. This movement threatened the very vitals of 
the Confederacy, and Bragg saw at once the necessity 
of compelling Buell to fall back. 

As the Confederate commander did not feel strong 
enough to make a direct attack on the Federal army, 
he resolved to accomplish by strategy that which he 
was unable to do by force of arms. For this reason 
the invasion of Kentucky was planned. 

Bragg crossed the Tennessee River at or near Chat- 
tanooga, ascended the Cumberland Mountains, thence 
down in the Sequatchie Valley, from which position he 
could strike for Nashville or Louisville, as circum- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



195 



stances might seem to direct. Buell saw at once that 
this movement threatened his entire hne of communi- 
cation. It was evidently Bragg's intention to move on 
Nashville, but by the rapid movement of Buell he kept 
his army at all times between Nashville and the rebel 
army. 

Bragg, finding it impossible to reach Nashville with- 
out fighting a desperate battle, changed his plan, and 
deflected his course and marched upon Louisville. 
This movement was promptly met, and for some days 
it seemed doubtful which army would be the first to 
reach the Ohio River. Again great excitement pre- 
vailed throughout the city. The disloyal element was 
in high glee, and again Union men fled to some point 
of safety north of the Ohio River, instead of arming 
themselves and aiding in repelling the advancing 
enemy. Finally, suspense was at an end, for Buell 
and his tired and dusty veterans reached Louisville 
and took possession of the city. Bragg had been 
fairly beaten in the race, and taking a position at 
Perryville, awaited further movements of Buell. He 
did not have long to wait, for in a few days the troops 
moved to meet him. This meeting took place near 
Perryville, and resulted in one of the fiercest battles of 
the war. I have no desire to enter into any discussion 
of the particulars of that bloody struggle. Errors have 
been persistently charged upon some of the gallant 
gentlemen who figured most conspicuously upon that 
occasion. But I will say that, in my humble judgment, 
if any errors were committed there, they were the 
results of honest misapprehension of fact, and were 
the errors of men who have proven their mettle and 



196 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

chivalry in the midst of conflicts as terrible as ever 
shook the earth or crimsoned the soil of the battle- 
field. By an unfortunate circumstance all the troops 
were not engaged at any one time, the result of which 
was a partial failure, — that is, the victory was not as 
complete as it should have been. Our army held its 
ground, and the enemy fell back. Had Buell's plans 
been carried out thoroughly, I am satisfied that he 
would have crushed Bragg's army and rendered it 
useless for future operations. 

The ofovernment became dissatisfied with Buell's 
management, and General W. S. Rosecrans, whose 
brilliant exploits in Mississippi had brought him promi- 
nently to the front, was designated as his successor. 

A court of inquiry was ordered at General Buell's 
request, and it sat for many months. Finally, the 
record was forwarded to Washington, where it was 
* pigeon-holed" and never published. In fact, it is said 
that the original proceedings were mysteriously with- 
drawn from the files, and had it not been that the short- 
hand reporter kept his notes, nothing would have ever 
been definitely known in regard to the action of the 
court. A duplicate copy was obtained and published 
by order of Congress, from which it appears that Buell's 
management was sustained throughout. 

I was a ei'eat admirer of General Buell, and reg-arded 
him as one of our ablest generals. He was firmly 
convinced that great achievements could only be ex- 
pected from thoroughly disciplined troops, and hence 
his great desire was to have an army of men governed 
by law and orders, upon whom he could rely in great 
emergencies. He was opposed to unnecessary de- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



197 



struction of private property. He felt that we appeared 
among the Southern people as the representatives of 
good government, and that it was a part of our duty 
to show them that the old government of the " stars 
and stripes" was better than the one proposed by the 
Southern disloyalists. There were a few men in our 
army who believed in the destruction of everything by 
fire and sword, and these men were opposed to Buell 
because he was opposed to their mode of warfare, 
which was destructive of all discipline. These " do as 
you please" soldiers did much to prejudice public 
opinion against him and to demand his removal. Buell 
saw at once that the war was a peculiar one. We 
were not fighting a foreign foe, but a people with whom 
we hoped again to live in peace and harmony ; and to 
accomplish this, our duty called us to oppose with all 
our might every armed force within our reach. The 
destruction of their armies and their materials of war 
only concerned us. Horses, mules, and such articles 
as our army required the laws of civilized warfare 
authorized us to take. 

When the historian sits down to write the history of 
the rebellion, after its principal actors have passed 
away, the services of General Buell will be recognized, 
and his splendid campaigns will serve as lessons to 
students in the military art ; and when the names of 
those who so cruelly pursued him shall have been for- 
gotten, his name will shine brightly on the pages of 
our national history. The grandest mistake of his life 
was his resignation. He should have remained, and 
time would have righted all things, and he would have 
stood anions: the greatest of our leaders. 



1 98 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

I remember, after the battle at Chattanooga, we 
found a lar^e number of houses on Lookout Moun- 
tain. The destruction of these buildings seemed to be 
the great desire of some men, I saw, in the future, 
that we might want them for hospital purposes, and I 
stationed a guard to protect them. Some scribbler to 
a Northern paper said that my sympathies were with 
the rebels because I protected these houses. True 
enough, they were occupied and used by our sick and 
wounded whose fevered brows were fanned by the cool 
breezes of that hio^h elevation. I saw a little farther 
into the future than some of the men who denounced 
me for being opposed to their destruction, and many 
a poor sick soldier was doubtless restored to health by 
the pure mountain air he there enjoyed. 

I remember seeing an article in some newspaper 
about General Milroy and a rebel woman. Both 
armies had occupied her farm, and in consequence 
every article of subsistence had been taken from her, 
until finally all she had left was an old cow, upon the 
milk of which she subsisted. Milroy, or some of his 
command, took the cow. She went to see the general 
to request that old " Pidey" might be returned to her. 
He received her with great cordiality. She stated the 
object of her visit. Milroy, straightening himself up, 
said, *' Madam, you can't have the cow; this rebellion 
must be put down." " All right," said the old woman, " if 
you can put down the rebellion with my old cow, go on 
and do it." I do not vouch for the truthfulness of the 
story. I give it just as I read it in one of the news- 
papers of the country during the war. 

I have often tried to determine in my own mind, by 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 199 

inquiry of many persons who have been participants 
in battles, as to the safest and the most dangerous places 
on battle-fields. I am satisfied that the solution of this 
problem depends to a great extent on the character of 
the enemy. In Indian warfare, as they have no bag- 
gage, no base of supplies, and no lines of communica- 
tion, they are free to attack in the front, on the flanks, 
or in the rear. So one place is as safe or as danger- 
ous as any other. But with a civilized foe, about equal 
in number with the opposing force, the commander 
cannot divide his command into many attacking parties. 
The front and flanks are about all to which he can oive 
attention, and hence there are a few points of com- 
parative safety, although these are not posts of honor. 
Strange as it may appear, in my opinion the safest 
place within the range of the enemy's guns is on the 
skirmish line. Here the men are widely separated ; 
and, in order that they may be killed or wounded, de- 
liberate aim must be taken, and the chances of missing 
under the excitement incidental to battle are very 
great. When masses fire at each other they are in 
such a hurry to deliver their fire that as a rule the aim 
is too high, and the bullets go whistling over the head, 
to fall into the ranks of the reserve, or among the 
teamsters of the baggage train. In a battle where 
masses meet each other, a position in the main line is 
preferable to one in the reserve for the above reason ; 
and if you are in the main line you are liable to strike 
an easy place where the fighting is not so severe. If 
in the reserve, you are called into action only to replace 
some command which has been driven back by over- 
whelming numbers, and you have to take position 



200 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

under difficulties, and confront an enemy already 
flushed with partial success. 

Before any of the great battles were fought I heard 
many officers and soldiers express the fear that, when 
the critical moment arrived, they might find themselves 
so wanting in courage they would run away from the 
field. Here is a case of this character, from the ex- 
perience of a private soldier: 

" On one occasion my fije-leader, or the man who 
stood in front of me in the ranks, turned and said, 
' If you see me attempt to run, or if I show the white 
feather, knock me down. I feel now as though I was 
going to bolt, and I believe if I have a chance I will go 
like lightning. If I start grab me, kick me, pound me, 
but don't let me run.' 

" The fight came on, and the line at the flanks went 
back and back, and the centre began to falter. The 
man who had been in front of me was beside me. As 
the sweeping rebel line came .down on us he said, with 
ghastly face, ' Let's meet them half way.' He sprang 
forward with a whoop, and that part of the line went 
with him. There was an awkward and furious struggle, 
but in five minutes we were pursuing the Confederates 
through the cornfield ; and in rare exhilaration of spirits 
the man who had been afraid he would bolt was con- 
ducting himself after the manner of a frolicksome dog. 

" He told me afterwards that he spent in that corn- 
field with bullets whizzing about him the happiest min- 
utes of his life. He was happy because he had proven 
himself a better man than he thou"-ht he was. He was 
hysterically happy because he discovered that after all 
he was not a coward, and after that he never had a 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 20 1 

doubt of himself. He had none of die daring diat 
made men rejoice in a fight, but he had that sort of 
self-control that made a good sharp-shooter, that made 
a man to be depended on in the crisis of battle, that 
made a ofood volunteer to charo^e a battery, and he 
made a reputation as a man of rare and indomitable 
courage." 

Pride, if nothing more, will generally carry a man 
into battle, although there are cases of constitutional 
weakness that even pride cannot overcome, but these 
cases are rare indeed. 

The great trouble with a man who goes into battle 
for the first time is that he imagines every gun of the 
enemy is aimed at him, and if his position Is charged 
upon he alone will have to receive the shock. He 
fails to recognize the fact that weak men combined 
together make a solid, compact phalanx that cannot 
be overturned or driven at pleasure. It is the gentle 
raindrop which precedes the flood, and by uniting with 
others makes up the rushing, seething torrent. It is 
the little rivulet which sings its way along, gathering 
strength as it proceeds, until finally it is lost in the 
deep, broad waters of the mighty river. 

It is the asfg^reCTation of men that makes Irresistible 
armies. When the soldier has been disciplined to 
understand that he is only a drop in the army with 
which he serves, and that " in union there Is strength," 
he moves forward to the contest with the steady tread 
of the veteran. 

Some one whose time could not have been valuable 
has ascertained the number killed and the ammunition 
expended in a number of battles. 

14 



202 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

Calculating the weight of the bullets and dividing 
by the number killed, the quotient he found to be two 
hundred and forty-three. From this he drew the con- 
clusion that it required two hundred and forty-three 
pounds of lead to kill one man. If this be true, surely 
the risk in battle is not very great. 

I have noticed a great difference between a wounded 
Indian and a wounded white man. The former believes 
that his condition in the happy hunting-grounds depends 
upon the number of his enemies he has slain, and 
hence when he feels that he has received a mortal 
wound he is nerved to desperation to increase the 
number of his dead. The white man has no such 
belief, and his thoughts turn to other matters " beyond 
this vale of tears." He has no longer any use for 
his musket, and almost invariably his thoughts turn to 
her who gave him birth, and his last words are, gen- 
erally, a message of love to her. I would rather 
attack five able-bodied Indians than one whose wound 
is such as to prevent his escape and still allow him the 
use of his arms and hands, for as long as he has an 
arrow in his quiver, or a bullet in his pouch, he is a 
dangerous and formidable enemy. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



203 



CHAPTER XVII. 

The Battle of Stone River — Colonel Thomas E. Rose — Author of 
Tunnel under Libby Prison — Makes his Escape and Reaches the 
Federal Lines — Rose at present in the United States Army. 

The unsatisfactory termination of the battle of 
Perryville decided the President on making a change 
in the commander of the Fourteenth Army Corps, and 
General W. S. Rosecrans, whose brilHant exploits in 
Mississippi and elsewhere had brought him prominently 
before the country as a great and successful com- 
mander, was selected to relieve General D, C. Buell. 

On assuminof command, Rosecrans found Braofor and 
his army in full retreat, which continued until he had 
reached Murfreesboro'. It has always seemed to me 
that a great mistake was made by Bragg, as the line 
of the Cumberland River would have been much more 
easily defended than the position he took at Murfrees- 
boro', which offered no natural defences whatever. 
General Rosecrans occupied Nashville on the 7th of 
November, and from that date to the 26th of Decem- 
ber was untiring in his efforts to get the troops under 
him in readiness for an active, vigorous campaign. 
Every department of the staff was busily occupied, 
while Rosecrans, through a corps of faithful, energetic 
scouts, was informing himself in regard to the char- 
acter and resources of the country, the position and 
strength of the enemy, and the avenues by which he 
could be reached. General Bragg did not expect a 



204 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



winter campaign. He had established his army in 
winter-quarters at Murfreesboro', and supposed that 
the Federal army would remain in Nashville all winter. 
In order that the cavalry could be more easily supplied 
with forage, and for the purpose of threatening the 
communications of Rosecrans, Bragg despatched the 
greater part of that force under its skilful and able 
leaders to West Tennessee and Kentucky. The ab- 
sence of these important forces was seized upon by 
Rosecrans as the opportune time to move forward; so 
accordingly, the day following Christmas, the Federal 
army, in "all the pomp and circumstance of glorious 
war," marched forth to meet the enemy. 

It was positively known that the forces of Polk and 
Kirby Smith were at Murfreesboro', and that Hardee's 
corps was on the Shelbyville and Nolansville turnpike, 
between Triune and Eaglesville. The Federal army 
moved in three columns, in accordance with the follow- 
incr instructions of General Rosecrans: 

McCook, with three divisions, to advance by the 
Nolansville pike to Triune. Thomas, with two divis- 
ions (Negley's and Rousseau's), to advance on his 
right, by the Franklin and Wilson pikes, threatening 
Hardee's right, and then to fall in by the cross-roads 
to Nolansville. Crittenden, with Wood's, Palmer's, 
and Van Cleve's divisions, to advance by the Mur- 
freesboro' turnpike to La Vergne. 

With Thomas's two divisions at Nolansville, McCook 
was to attack Hardee at Triune, and if the enemy re- 
inforced Hardee, Thomas was to support McCook. 

If McCook defeated Hardee, or Hardee retreated, 
and the enemy met us at Stewart's Creek, five miles 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



205 



south of La Vergne, Crittenden was to attack him. 
Thomas was to come in on his left flank, and McCook, 
after detaching a chvision to pursue or observe Har- 
dee, if retreating southward, was to move with the re- 
mainder of his force in pursuit of him. 

Here it will be well to understand that the Four- 
teenth Corps, for convenience, was subdivided into 
three parts, — the right wing, the centre, and the left 
wing. These subdivisions were commanded by Mc- 
Cook, Thomas, and Crittenden, in the order named, 
and each was composed of three divisions. The sec- 
ond division, commanded by the writer, was composed 
of the following troops : 

First Brigade: Brigadier-General A. Willich, com- 
manding. — Forty-ninth Ohio, Colonel W. H. Gibson ; 
Fifteenth Ohio, Colonel Wallace ; Thirty-ninth Indi- 
ana, Lieutenant-Colonel Fielding Jones ; Thirty-second 
Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Eckelmeyer; Eighty-ninth 
Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Hotchkiss ; Goodspeed's 
First Ohio Battery. 

Second Brigade: Brigadier-General E. N. Kirk. — 
Thirty-eighth Indiana, Colonel J. B. Dodge ; Twenty- 
ninth Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Dunn ; Seventy- 
seventh Pennsylvania, Lieutenant-Colonel Houssam ; 
Seventy-ninth Illinois, Colonel Reed ; Thirty-fourth 
Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Bristol ; Edgarton's Bat- 
tery, First Ohio Artillery. 

Third Brio-ade : .Colonel P. P. Baldwin. — Sixth In- 
diana, Lieutenant-Colonel Tripp ; Fifth Kentucky 
(Louisville Legion), Lieutenant-Colonel W. W. Berry; 
First Ohio, Major Stafford ; Ninety-third Ohio, Colonel 
Charles Anderson ; Simonson's Indiana Battery. Ma- 



2o6 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCE A^CES 

jor Klein's Battalion, Third Indiana Cavalry, was on 
duty with the division. 

I have been thus particular In giving the composition 
of my division, in order that the gallant men whom I 
had the honor to command at the battle of Stone River 
may have justice done them even at this late day. I 
have always supposed that truth would ultimately 
vindicate itself, but in the evening of a life prolonged 
beyond the average, I am forced to say that error, 
when once well on its way, is very difficult to overtake 
and correct. 

"Truth crushed to earth will rise again, 
The eternal years of God are hers ; 
But Error, wounded, writhes in pain, 
And dies amid her worshippers." 

This Is good poetry and good sentiment, but my 
experience teaches me to doubt its truthfulness. 

A pebble dropped in mid-ocean creates a circular 
ripple, which goes on and on and never ceases. 
Another pebble dropped In a second after creates a 
like ripple, but the latter never overtakes the former, 
and so error startinof first outruns the truth. 

At six o'clock on the morning of the 26th, Davis's 
division moved out on the Edmonson turnpike with 
orders to march to Prim's blacksmith-shop, and thence 
by a country road to Nolansville. Sheridan moved at 
the same hour on the direct road to Nolansville, fol- 
lowed by my division. Skirmishing was kept up all 
day by the advance, and the entire command "of Gen- 
eral A. McD. McCook encamped on the hills beyond 
the town of Nolansville. It had rained almost inces- 



IN PEA CE AND WAR. 



\Oj 



sandy the first day out, and the roads had become 
muddy and difficult of travel, but the enthusiasm of 
the men was very great at the prospect of meeting 
the enemy in an open combat. At daylight on the 
27th the command moved forward, Stanley, with the 
cavalry, in advance, followed by my division. When 
about two miles out the advance became engaged 
with the enemy's cavalry, which was supported by 
artillery. The firing becoming quite brisk, the column 
pushed rapidly on until ascending a ridge, when it was 
opened on by shot and shell. A proper disposition 
of the troops was made, and the line moved cau- 
tiously, yet quickly forward, overtaking the cavalry, 
which was steadily pushing the enemy back. Soon 
the advance met the Confederates in force. Edgrar- 
ton's battery was placed in position, supported by 
the Thirtieth Indiana. The battery was skilfully 
handled, and soon silenced the guns of the enemy 
and drove them beyond the range of our artillery. 
While Edgarton's battery was playing upon the 
enemy, I directed Baldwin's brigade to take position 
on the right of the road. The First Ohio, Major 
J. A. Stafford, and the Sixth Indiana, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Tripp, in deployed lines, supported by the 
Louisville Legion, Lieutenant-Colonel W. W. Berry, 
and the Ninety-third Ohio, Colonel Charles Anderson. 
Simonton's battery was posted on the road. My first 
brigade. General A. Willich, was held in reserve. Owing 
to the dense, heavy fog which settled down upon us, any 
movement we might make was hazardous, so it was 
deemed advisable to wait for it to rise, which it did 
about eis^ht or nine o'clock. We then moved forward 



2oS A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

for the balance of the day In the same order. About 
four o'clock we ascended a high hill which overlooked 
the town of Triune. Here the enemy was in plain view 
in line of battle, with the centre in the town, and the 
flanks extended to the riorht and left. Edearton's and 
Simonton's batteries were brought into action, and did 
good service, disabling one of the enemy's guns. The 
Sixth and Twenty-ninth Indiana, and Thirty-fourth Illi- 
nois charged upon the enemy's battery, but the artil- 
lerists did not stand to receive the bayonet. Just about 
this time it seemed that the flood-gates of heaven were 
opened. The rain descended in blinding sheets, 
rendering pursuit out of the question. The storm 
continued about an hour, after which the pursuit was 
resumed until darkness closed in upon us. We en- 
camped for the night about two miles south of the 
town of Triune, where we remained on the 28th 
awaiting developments. 

Under, instructions from General McCook, I sent 
Willich's brigade to determine whether the enemy had 
retired to Shelbyville or to Murfreesboro'. This re- 
connoissance was extended seven miles to the front, 
and developed the fact that Hardee had retreated to 
Murfreesboro'. This fact settled in our mind where 
the great battle was to be fought. On the 29th, Mc- 
Cook's command was again in motion on the Bole Jack 
road. Baldwin's brigade of my division was ordered to 
remain at Triune as a corps of observation, taking a 
position on the north bank of Wilson's Creek. One 
company of Klein's cavalry and a section of Simon- 
ton's battery were left with this brigade. This position 
was only temporary, designed to protect the right 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 209 

flank of McCook's command. On the nio-ht of the 
29th I encamped with Kirk's and WilHch's brigades 
near the Salem road, and within five miles of Murfrees- 
boro' and near Davis's division. On the 30th, McCook 
advanced his command, Sheridan's division covering 
the Wilkinson pike and Davis in line on Sheridan's 
right. My division was held in reserve. McCook di- 
rected me to order Baldwin to join his proper division, 
which he did about dusk on the 30th. The operations 
of the day had forced the enemy to develop his entire 
line of battle, and when night came we rested upon 
our arms in readiness for a heavy battle on the follow- 
ing morning. In the rear of McCook's main line was 
a large, open cotton-field. Sheridan and Davis were 
on the south side of this cotton-field, while I was di- 
rected to go into camp in the timber on the north side, 
placing my command in the rear of the centre of 
Davis's division, looking well to my right flank. During 
the evening, General McCook received a message from 
General Davis, in which he expressed some uneasiness 
in regard to the safety of his right flank, and requested 
that a brigade be sent from my division to take posi- 
tion on his right, and McCook so ordered. I directed 
Kirk's brigade to take position on Davis's right, and 
instructed him to refuse his right flank. Soon Kirk 
asked for troops to be placed on his right, and I sent 
Willich's brigade, instructing him to throw his right 
well to the rear. On the north side of the cotton-field, 
and j.ust in front of my reserve brigade, with which I 
was encamped, an ordinary country road was laid out, 
and upon this road Willichhad his headquarters, dis- 
tant from mine about a half-mile. I mention this dis- 



2IO A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

tance because it has been asserted by some camp fol- 
lowers that my headquarters were a mile and a hall in 
rear of my line. 

In the course of the evening General Rosecrans 
furnished General McCook with an order to the effect 
that a o^reat battle was to be fought on the followins: 
day. "If our right was attacked, it was to fall back 
slowly, contesting the ground, and our left was to cross 
Stone River and move into Murfreesboro'. If the 
enemy failed to attack, we were to do so at a signal to 
be given by General Rosecrans." McCook called his 
division commanders together and explained to each 
one what was expected of him. On retiring from 
General McCook's headquarters I called my brigade 
commanders around me and explained the order, and 
when they left each understood thoroughly what was 
required of his command. The line of the entire army 
in its relative position was this : The right of Wood's 
division rested upon the Nashville pike, and his left on 
Stone River ; Palmer's was on Wood's right ; Negley's 
on Palmer's right; Sheridan on Negley's right; Davis's 
on the right of Sheridan ; and Kirk's and Willich's 
brigades of my division on the right and rear of Davis's 
division. The reserves of each division were in the 
rear of their respective divisions. General Rosecrans 
desired to create the impression that he was massing 
his forces heavily on our right. Accordingly he allowed 
no fires to be built by the troops in line, but had im- 
mense log fires made away off to our right, and Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Langdon, of the Second Ohio, who had 
an immensely heavy voice,- was sent out to tliese tires 
to give commands locating imaginary divisions, brig- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 21I 

ades, and regiments. Now this plan would have suc- 
ceeded with an unenterprising enemy, but Bragg knew 
as many of the tricks of war as Rosecrans, Feeling 
assured that where we professed to be strong we were 
really weak, Bragg, during the night, massed a force 
conslstlno- of Cleburne's and McCown's divisions of 
Infantry, flanked by Wharton's cavalry, opposite to 
the right of our army. These divisions of the Con- 
federate army were composed of four brigades each. 
Desiring to be entirely correct in regard to the troops 
opposed to me, I sent a copy of our official map of the 
battle-field to Major-General B. F. Cheatham, a distin- 
guished officer of the Confederate army, and asked 
him to indicate thereon the position of the Confederate 
troops, which he kindly did, and returned to me with 
the following letter : 

Beech Grove, Coffee Co., Tenn., October 18, 1885. 
Dear General, — I received your letter last evening, and, in 
reply, will say that Polk's corps was composed of two divisions, 
commanded by General Withers and myself. Withers's, not having 
been in the battle of Perryville, was stronger than mine, was placed 
in the front line, his right resting on the Nashville pike, and ex- 
tended a little north of west to the old road to Franklin. My 
division was formed in the rear of Withers's. Cleburne was on 
my left, and west of the Franklin road. McCown was on the left 
of Cleburne, and Wharton's cavalry on McCown's left. McCown 
advanced first, and it was his troops that first struck Willich. By 
arrangement with General Withers, during the battle he commanded 
my two right brigades, and I commanded his two left brigades. 
You can rely upon the positions as given on the map as being cor- 
rect. My headquarters were on the left of Coltart's brigade. 
Yours respectfully, 

B. F. Cheatham. 



212 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

Now we are able to determine just how the attack 
was made. Anderson's and Chalmers's brigade of 
WIthers's division, supported by Stewart's and Don- 
elson's brigades of Cheatham's division, attacked 
Sheridan, 

Col tart's and Manygault's brigades of Withers's 
division, supported by Vaughn's and Maney's brigades 
of Cheatham's division, attacked Davis. 

Cleburne's four brio-ades attacked Kirk's briofade of 
my division, and McCown's four brigades attacked 
Willich's brigade, while Wharton's cavalry operated 
on Willich's flank. 

The concentration of the force to attack my position 
was made during the night, and this movement on 
the part of the enemy was noticed by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Fielding Jones, the officer in charge of my 
picket-line, and he reported it to me. I reported to 
McCook, who at once made the fact known to General 
Rosecrans, who did not think it advisable to make any 
change in his programme ; at least none was made. 
At three o'clock on the 31st I breakfasted, and had 
the transportation connected with my headquarters 
moved to the rear, — a movement the teamsters did not 
stop until they had reached Nashville. The horses 
belonging to myself, staff, and orderlies were saddled 
and ready for immediate use. About six o'clock 
General Willich rode up to my headquarters, and 
while talking^ with me a shot was fired. I looked at 
my watch, and it was just twenty-two minutes after 
six o'clock. At once Willich started at full speed to 
join his command, and in his haste ran through his 
line; his horse was killed, and he was captured by the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 213 

enemy and his valuable services were lost to us. 
Onward advanced the countless legions of the enemy. 
The color of their uniforms blending with the gray of 
the morning rendered their movements discernible 
only by the terrific fire of artillery and musketry, 
which mowed deep and broad furrows in our ranks. 
The muzzles of a hundred cannon belched forth fire, 
shot, and shell, and the earth and the air were tremu- 
lous with the terrific vibration. 

The atmosphere was heavy with sulphurous smoke 
from these countless eno^ines of war. At times dense 
clouds would envelop the combatants, and then lift 
themselves up like feathery fringes and be carried 
away, revealing the advancing but depleted columns of 
the enemy. McCook was everywhere urging the men 
to deeds of noble daring, and proved himself a hero 
worthy of the honored name he bore. General Kirk 
was seriously wounded about the first fire, and had to 
leave the field. These two casualties necessitated the 
change of brigade commanders in the face of an out- 
numberino- foe. Colonel W. H. Gibson succeeded 
Willich, and Colonel J. B. Dodge succeeded Kirk. 
Under these gallant commanders the brave men of 
these brigades were rallied, and did efficient service 
during the clay. Now, any one can see the utter ab- 
surdity of two brigades, outnumbered more than four 
to one, holding their ground against such odds. That 
they fell back in disorder was not to their discredit. 
No equal number of troops could have done better. 

As soon as Willich started from my headquarters, I 
mounted and started down after him at full speed. 
Soon I heard a soldier say, " Don't go there, general, 



214 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

or you will be captured." Turning at once to the 
right, I joined Baldwin's reserve brigade, and had him 
deploy along a fence. In front of which was an open 
field over which the enemy had to pass. While they 
were marching over that field the fire of this brigade 
told with fearful effect; but It, too, had to fall back. In 
a short tirrie my division was reformed on the Nash- 
ville pike, and assisted In checking the enemy in his 
victorious march. The dead of both armies, which 
w^ere strewn on the field passed over by my command, 
showed very conclusively that It did most excellent 
service. The first fire in the morning killed or crip- 
pled nearly all the horses in Edgarton's battery ; and 
he, badly wounded, with his guns, fell Into the hands 
of the enemy. It has been said many times that the 
reason this battery was lost was due to the fact that 
the horses had been taken away for water, and some 
have censured me for not having them harnessed and 
hitched. Now, is it not reasonably certain that If the 
horses had been taken away to water they would have 
been taken to some pool or stream In the rear? If 
taken to the rear, would they have been captured? 
If the euns had been without horses our loss would 
have been the guns only; but few, if any, of the horses 
were ever seen alive after that battle. If away to 
water, how can we account for the seventy-five dead 
horses around where the battery stood? 

Admitting that they were taken to water, would It 
be expected that a division commander would have to 
tell a brigade commander to see that his artillery 
horses were harnessed and hitched, when he had 
already told him that a battle was to be fought on 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



215 



tlie following morning? I should think such precau- 
tion as unnecessary as to instruct him to have his guns 
loaded when he went into battle, or to tell each man 
to press on the trigger of his gun when he wished to 
discharge it at an enemy. 

But, unfortunately for those who raised that point, 
it w^as untrue. General Kirk was a gallant man, a 
good soldier, and a careful commander, who died from 
the wound received in this battle, thus sealing his de- 
votion to his country with his life's blood. A braver 
man never went to battle than E. N. Kirk, and the 
members of his family have every reason to be proud 
of the splendid record for courage and devotion to 
duty which he has left them. 

But this matter of sendinof the horses to water in 
the face of the enemy is one of the errors which time 
does not seem to correct. 

The curtain of night fell upon the scene, and the 
tired and jaded soldiers lay down upon the battle- 
field to rest, in order to be prepared for a renewal of 
the contest on the followinof morning. Morninsr came, 
but the enemy had withdrawn during the night from 
our immediate front. On the 2d day of January a 
large body of Confederates attacked with great fierce- 
ness General Crittenden's command on our left. One 
of my brigades, under Colonel W. H. Gibson, was 
sent to reinforce him. The enemy was severely 
punished, and fell back confused and demoralized. 
Murfreesboro' was evacuated on the 3d, and our 
army took possession of the town. General Rose- 
crans, in his telegraphic report to the general-in-chief, 
stated, in substance, that the battle would have been 



21 6 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

a complete success on the first clay had it not been for 
a "partial surprise" on our right. Time has not 
corrected this error. It was sent off hastily on the 
wings of lightning, penetrating every portion of the 
country, and to-day there are thousands who believe 
that our right was attacked while in bed. How absurd 
to suppose that the ever-vigilant McCook, always on 
the alert, should permit any troops under his command 
to be surprised! He belongs to a race of soldiers, 
and his couraofe has been tested in contests as fierce 
as ever shook the earth or crimsoned the battle-field. 

How absurd to suppose that troops who had been 
up and breakfasted hours before the battle began 
could be taken by surprise ! After the battle I rode 
over the field with General Rosecrans and others, and 
showed him my position and explained to him with what 
I had to contend, and he expressed himself as well 
satisfied with what I had done with my command, and 
said that no two brigades could stand up against such 
fearful odds. Yet the error first committed has passed 
into history, and will probably outlive all the partici- 
pants in that terrible struggle. 

After the war I was stationed in Murfreesboro', 
where I became acquainted with several returned 
Confederates of high rank who had participated in 
the battle at Stone River. By them I was assured 
that not less than twenty-five thousand men attacked 
my position. When my line was repulsed, I suppose 
this force in part fell on Davis's line, and then on 
Sheridan's. The casualties in my division in this 
battle were : killed, two hundred and sixty ; wounded, 
ten hundred and five ; missing, twelve hundred and 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 217 

eighty. Of the missing it was subsequently ascer- 
tained that some had been killed, others wounded 
and captured, while some, becoming separated from 
their companies and regiments, did not find them for 
several days. 

Our provision train having returned to Nashville, 
my command subsisted on parched corn until the 
evacuation of Murfreesboro', when supplies were 
brought forward. 

Willich, Kirk, and Baldwin, my three original bri- 
gade commanders, are dead. Two were killed in 
battle, and one has died since the war. Braver offi- 
cers or better commanders never drew swords nor 
commanded more gallant men than those composing 
my division at the battle of Stone River. 

In this battle the field-officers of the Seventy-ninth 
Pennsylvania Volunteers were killed or wounded, and 
Captain Thomas E. Rose assumed command of the 
regiment. His courage and skill were so conspicuous 
that I asked that he might be promoted to the rank of 
colonel. The request was complied with, and he ever 
proved an able commander. He was captured subse- 
quently and confined in Libby prison. There he con- 
ceived the idea of escaping through a tunnel under the 
wall. His plans were carried out, and, after weeks of 
suffering, he reached the Federal lines in safety. At 
the close of the war he was appointed in the regular 
army, and is at this time a captain in the Sixteenth 
Infantry and brevet lieutenant-colonel United States 
army. 

IS 



2i8 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Murfreesboro' — Fortifications — A Spy — Two Spies at Franklin — 
Onward March — Liberty Gap — Chickamaiiga — Sunday's Work — 
Fall Back to Rossville — Sabbath Evening. 

Murfreesboro', before the war, was a beautiful little 
town of about five thousand inhabitants, situated in 
one of the most picturesque and fertile regions of the 
State. The people were educated and refined, and 
many of them men of wealth. From the town radi- 
ated in all directions splendid pikes, enabling the 
farmers to bring their produce more easily to this 
market than to Nashville. The town itself is situated 
on high, commanding ground, and as soon as the 
experienced eye of General Rosecrans scanned it he 
determined on fortifying and establishing a depot for 
supplies. At once men were detailed to report to the 
chief-engineer, who designated the points to be forti- 
fied and the character of the works to be constructed 
at each point. Many of the men so employed had 
never before used picks and spades, but nearly every 
one in the army learned before the close of the war 
that these implements were as necessary for success- 
ful warfare as rifles, muskets, and cannon. In addi- 
tion to this work, drills were resumed, and, between 
drills and work on the fortifications, there was little 
time for other enjoyments. One day I rode out 
through my command, and, seeing a large crowd of 
men assembled, rode up to ascertain the cause of the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 219 

assemblage. I found that a Yankee sineine-master 
was entertaining- them with patriotic songs, and all 
seemed to enjoy the music and cheer the sentiments 
they expressed. I passed on, but subsequently some 
one suspected that he might be a spy. At all events 
it would be no harm to examine him closely. On re- 
moving one of his shoes a complete map of our forti- 
fications was discovered clumsily concealed under a 
false sole. 

He was taken to the guard-house, and would have 
been tried and executed ; but he, knowing that his only 
chance for life was in making his escape, broke through 
the cruard. However, an unerrino- shot of the sentinel 
passed through his heart, and he fell dead. 

He proved to be a regular spy, and had he not been 
arrested it is probable that the Confederate commander 
would have had a complete drawing of our defences in 
a few days. 

We had an outpost at Franklin, Tennessee, consist- 
inof of a briorade under the command of Colonel Baird. 
He had a singular experience with two spies, the facts 
of which are as follows : 

On the afternoon of June 8, 1S63, two men rode 
into the Federal camp at Franklin, Tennessee, and 
proceeded at once to the tent of Colonel Baird, the 
commanding officer, to whom they introduced them- 
selves as Colonel Orton and Major Dunlap, both of 
the inspector-general's department of the United States 
army. Colonel Orton presented an order from the 
Secretary of War instructing him, in company with 
Major Dunlap, to proceed to make a critical inspection 
of the army at that time in the State of Tennessee, and 



2 20 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

also an order from General Rosecrans, then at Mur- 
freesboro', to all officers commanding outposts and 
detachments to afford the inspectors every facility for 
the discharge of the responsible duties imposed upon 
them by the War Department. The papers seemed 
genuine, — in fact, there was no suspicion in regard to 
them, — and the commanding officer at Franklin pro- 
ceeded at once with them to make a minute examina- 
tion of the defences of the place, sanitary condition of 
the camp, etc. After the inspection the inspectors ex- 
pressed satisfaction at the admirable police regulations 
established in the camp, and, after partaking of a boun- 
teous lunch prepared for them, and borrowing fifty 
dollars from Colonel Baird, they mounted their steeds, 
saying that they were going to Nashville, and actually 
started on the main pike for that city. They were 
scarcely out of sight before the Idea flashed across 
Colonel Balrd's mind that they might be spies. He 
ordered Colonel Watklns, Sixth Kentucky Cavalry, to 
take a small detachment, pursue, arrest, and bring them 
back to his headquarters. There was no time to be 
lost, for It was now quite dark, and the two men were 
well on their way. Watklns, calling to his orderly to 
mount and follow him, started In hot pursuit. He In- 
structed the orderly to carry his carbine In readiness 
for service, and when they overtook them. If he noticed 
any suspicious motions on the part of either, to fire on 
them without further orders. After an excitlnor chase 
of a few miles, they were overtaken, and informed that 
Colonel Baird wanted to make further Inquiries, and 
requested them to return. This they politely consented 
to do, after some remonstrance on account of the late- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 221 

ness of the hour and the distance they had to travel. 
Colonel Watkins led them to his tent, where he placed 
them under a strong guard. At once they began to 
manifest great uneasiness, and pretended great indig- 
nation at being thus treated. Colonel Baird told them 
frankly that he had his suspicions in regard to their 
true character, but if they were really what they repre- 
sented themselves, surely they could not object to neces- 
sary caution on his part, as the safety of his command 
would be in jeopardy if they were really not what they 
professed to be. It was a very difficult matter to sat- 
isfy them, so the commander told them that no indig- 
nation on their part would deter him from doing his 
duty, and then informed them that they were under 
guard, and would be held as prisoners until he w^as 
satisfied that they were what they represented them- 
selves to be. He telegraphed to General Rosecrans, 
and received a reply stating that he knew nothing of 
any such men, that there were no such men in his em- 
ploy or travelling under a pass from his headquarters. 
Long before this despatch was received, however, every 
one who had an opportunity to hear their conversa- 
tions were satisfied that they were spies. Shrewd as 
they were, they gave frequent and distinct evidences 
of duplicity. On receipt of General Rosecrans's de- 
spatch, which was about midnight, a search of their per- 
sons was ordered. To this the major readily assented, 
but the colonel protested against it as an indignity and 
outrage to an officer of his rank ; but resistance was 
useless, and both submitted. When the major's sword 
was drawn from the scabbard there was found etched 
upon it these words: " Lt. W. G. Peter, C. S. A." 



22 2 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

They then confessed the whole matter, and upon 
further search various papers showing their guilt were 
discovered on their persons. On removing the white 
flannel havelock from the cap of the major, it was dis- 
covered to be a uniform cap of the Southern army. 
All these facts were telegraphed General Rosecrans, 
whereupon he sent a despatch to Colonel Baird, direct- 
ing him to try them by a drum-head court-martial, and 
if found guilty, " hang them immediately." 

The court was convened, and before daylight the 
case was decided, and the prisoners were informed 
that they must prepare for immediate death by hang- 
ing. Workmen w^ere ordered to erect a scaffold. One 
of the chaplains visited the prisoners, and at their 
request administered the sacrament to them. They 
WTOte some letters and deposited their jewelry for 
transmission to their friends. The crallows was erected 

o 

near the depot and in a very public place. Two ropes 
hunor dana-liiiQ- from the beam. About nine o'clock 
the garrison was paraded to witness the execution. 
Two coarse, rough coffins were lying a few feet away. 
At twenty minutes after nine o'clock the guards con- 
ducted the prisoners to the scaffold, and they walked 
firmly and steadily as if unmindful of the terrible 
experience through which they were soon to pass. 
On their arrival at the place of execution they stepped 
upon the platform of the cart and took their respec- 
tive places. Handkerchiefs were tied over their faces 
and the ropes adjusted. 

They then asked the privilege of bidding each other 
a last farewell, which being granted they tenderly and 
lovingly embraced each other. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 223 

The cart moved from under diem and they hung in 
the air. What a fearful penalty ! What a sad end 
for two men of such rare and varied accomplishments ! 
When life was pronounced extinct they were cut down 
and encoffined in their full dress. The colonel was 
buried with a gold locket and chain around his neck. 
The locket contained the picture and a lock of hair of 
his intended wife. In his vest pocket he had her 
photograph, and all these things were, at his request, 
buried with him. Both were buried in one oTave, — 
companions in life and crime, and now companions in 
the cold embrace of death. When they learned that 
they were to be hanged, they requested a commutation 
of the sentence to being shot to death with musketry. 

The elder and leader of these unfortunate men was 
said to have been formerly an officer in the regular 
army of the United States. He left the Federal service 
and joined the Confederate army under the assumed 
name of Lawrence W. Orton. At the time of his 
execution he was inspector-general on the staff of 
General Bragg. 

The other victim of this delusive and reckless daring 
was Walter E. Peter. He was a tall, handsome young 
man about twenty-five years old, and was a man of 
education and refinement. History fails to furnish a 
parallel in the character and standing of the parties, 
the boldness and daring of the enterprise, and the 
swiftness with which discovery and punishment were 
visited upon them. They entered the Federal camp, 
went through it, minutely inspecting our position, 
fortifications, and troops, and the boldness of their 
conduct made their fiimsy subterfuges almost sue- 



2 24 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

cessful. To the very last they denied being spies, but 
the proofs were too clear, and when called upon to 
pay the penalty of their rashness, met death with a 
coolness and courage worthy of an honorable cause. 

While the troops were strengthening our defences 
at Murfreesboro', Rosecrans was busily occupied in 
ascertaining the location of Brao-or's forces. Through 
his efficient spies he learned that Polk's corps was at 
Shelbyville. Hardee joined him on the right, and 
occupied Belle Buckle, Liberty Gap, and Hoover's 
Gap, and the effective force combined numbered 
about forty thousand. His base of supplies was at 
Chattanooga, with a temporary base at Tallahoma, In 
the rear of the centre of the Confederate line. Rose- 
crans's second campaign was to drive the Confeder- 
ates out of the State of Tennessee. The plan of the 
campaign was to threaten the enemy's left and centre 
with a large force of infantry and cavalry, and, under 
cover of these demonstrations, to turn their right and 
force a battle on our own ground or compel a retreat 
over the mountains by a circuitous and dangerous 
route. 

On the 24th clay of June our movement began. 
McCook's corps was to march by Old Millersburg and 
drive the enemy from Liberty Gap. This Is a narrow 
passage between two high ranges of mountains, which, 
if resolutely defended by a thousand men, could be 
held against ten times the number. Our troops 
moved gallantly forward and drove the enemy through 
and beyond the Gap, and encamped therein during 
the night. On the following morning the enemy was 
reinforced by Cleburne's division, and again offered 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 225 

battle, which was accepted. The fightuior the day be- 
fore was by my division, but on the second day Car- 
lin's brigade of Davis's division was sent to support 
me. For a short time the battle raged furiously, but 
finally the enemy was repulsed. On the first day 
General John F. Miller was shot in the eye while gal- 
lantly leading his brigade. I visited him after dark, 
and never expected to see him again alive, but was 
pleased to renew my acquaintance recently in Wash- 
ington. Miller was a senator from California, and one 
of the wealthy men of the Pacific slope, but died in 
Washington, March 8, 1886. 

During the conflict at Liberty Gap, Thomas was 
pushing the enemy at Hoover's Gap. Their defeat at 
the former place caused a general retreat of the Con- 
federate army to Tallahoma. For miles around this 
place the country is level. The forests approached 
the villaofe on all sides. Braofo- had the trees felled 
for a distance of two miles in all directions, in order 
to give his artillery an opportunity to do effective 
work upon our advancing columns, but before we got 
within range of his guns he and his army fell back. 
Chattanooga was the next place occupied by Bragg, 
but when we began to draw our lines around that 
place it was abandoned also. General Rosecrans then 
ordered his army to cross the Tennessee River at four 
or five different points, and the various columns moved 
so as to increase the distance between them. On the 
1 6th of September the right and left were fully fifty 
miles apart. Bragg, who had been reinforced by 
Longstreet and had his army well in hand, could not 
have known the position of Rosecrans's forces, other- 



2 26 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

wise he would have attacked him before he could have 
concentrated. Rosecrans, learning the position of the 
enemy, ordered his army to close to the left and pre- 
pare for battle. McCook, who was in command of 
the extreme right and always ready to take a hand in 
battle, was not slow in moving his column ; but long 
before he could close in on our left the roar of artillery 
and musketry told too plainly that Thomas had been 
attacked. The firing was so heavy that the men, for- 
getting fatigue, hastened to the conflict. My division 
was in advance, and at Crawfish Springs, Rosecrans 
ordered me to move my division at "double-quick" to 
Thomas and report to him in person. The other two 
divisions of McCook's corps were attacked in flank 
before they could be brought in line, and some con- 
fusion prevailed until the division commanders suc- 
ceeded in rallying them, which was soon done. At 
sundown on the 19th the Confederate lines had been 
forced back at least a mile and a half. 

Colonel J. B. Dodge, who commanded one of the 
brigades in my division, got in advance of his com-' 
mand and between the two lines. To move either 
way would surely draw the fire of some sharp-shooter. 
Not knowing what to do, he sat down at the root of a 
tree to calmly consider the uncertainty of life and pos- 
sibly to pass in review his shortcomings from boyhood. 
In this position he was in full view of a Confederate 
battery. Three of the gunners, observing him and 
supposing that he was badly wounded, came to his 
assistance. The artillerymen had no arms, and, as 
their mission w^as one of mercy, did not think they 
would need any. As they raised Dodge up one of 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



227 



them remarked, "Let us see if the Yank has any arms." 
Quick as thought Dodge observed that they were un- 
armed, and, drawing his pistol, presented it and de- 
manded their surrender. Seeing their helplessness, 
they surrendered, and Dodge marched his captives 
into the Federal camp. I do not know what became 
of the prisoners, but have always hoped that they fell 
into kind hands. 

A short time after dark the enemy made a fierce 
assault upon us, but were finally repulsed and driven 
back. 

Our lines were adjusted and preparations made for 
a renewal of the battle on the following morning (Sep- 
tember 20). 

I had a cup of black coffee at one o'clock on the 
morning of the 19th, and, as my servant failed to find 
me, I retired without dinner or supper, and in fact 
neither myself nor any member of my staff had any- 
thing to eat until Sunday night, when I accidentally 
discovered a supply train in camp at Rossville. From 
this train we got hard bread and bacon, cutting the 
bacon into thin slices and broilinor it on the coals. I 
never enjoyed anything so much in my life. 

When I reached Thomas, in accordance with the 
order of General Rosecrans, he indicated where my 
command should form, and then ordered me to move 
forward. Soon I came up to some troops lying down, 
which I learned was General W. B. Hazen's brigade, 
which had done gallant service, having expended their 
ammunition. My division passed on, and we had not 
cjone far before our skirmish line became eno-aeed 
with the enemy's, which was driven in, and soon my 



2 28 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

main line came in contact with the main Hne of the 
rebel army. My division drove the enemy at least 
a mile and a half and captured seven pieces of artil- 
lery. 

In the report of that gallant soldier, General Thomas 
L. Crittenden, I find this reference to my division. The 
report is to General Rosecrans, and he says, — 

At 4.45 P.M. I received your note of 3.10 p.m., stating that John- 
son was driving the rebels handsomely in the centre, that he had 
taken many prisoners, and expected to drive the enemy across 
Chickamauga to-night. 

General McCook, the commander of the corps to 
which I was attached, said in his official report, — 

On the 19th, General Johnson's division fought near the extreme 
left of the line. It fought gloriously, driving the enemy for more 
than a mile, capturing seven of the enemy's guns and a large num- 
ber of prisoners. 

The attack made on my division on the night of the 
19th w^as a fearful assault, — in fact, a hand-to-hand con- 
flict when it was so dark we could not recognize friend 
from foe. But my glorious old division acquitted itself 
with great credit, and its honorable part in this battle 
was the cause of many compliments from almost every 
general officer in that battle. As soon as the fighting 
for the day was over, myself and staff retired for the 
night, without bedding beyond our saddles and saddle- 
blankets. Long before It was light I was up and 
moving around among my men, who seemed to sleep 
sweetly and soundly. All nature seemed to be wrapped 
in awful silence awaiting the coming of some impor- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



229 



tant event. Some of the men near me would ere the 
sun went down on the 20th sleep the long sleep of 
death. Suddenly there darted up innumerable rays 
of light, like so many silver threads ; these changed to 
o^old, and their reddenino- alare first touched the hill- 
top, then, descending along the slope into the valley, 
they flooded the world as with liquid fire and warmed 
all nature into life. How softly and gently Aurora 
lifts the curtain to awake the slumberinof hours to their 
daily rounds ! 

Broad, open daylight was upon us, and no sign of 
an attacking enemy. It was the Sabbath day, — a day 
that is dear to every one who loves his Lord. It is 
the day upon which we are accustomed to listen to the 
bells that summon worshippers to the house of God. 
There were no bells and few worshippers on that 
beautiful Sabbath day. The stillness of the morning 
was broken in upon by the sound of the axe used in 
felling timber for temporary breastworks. General 
Polk, who was Bishop of Tennessee, commanded in my 
front, and possibly he delayed his advance until he 
could go over the beautiful service of his church ; but 
while he was doing this we were preparing to give him 
a warm and cordial reception. 

The position of our line of battle was about as fol- 
lows, beginning on our right and passing to the left: 
Lytle's brigade, Sheridan's division, Davis's division, 
Wood's division, Brannan's division, Reynolds's divis- 
ion, Palmer's division, Johnson's division, Baird's di- 
vision, Bently's brigade. The cavalry on the flanks. 
The left was the vital point ; and we were that day to 
fight for the existence of the army and the occupation 



230 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

of ChattanooQ-a. Defeat here would have been the 
most terrible blow to our cause, for the Union army 
would have been compelled to cross the Tennessee 
River and yield up all that had been gained by the 
summer's campaign. 

The field of battle was a vast forest, whose dense 
foliage prevented us from seeing fifty yards distant. 
No one commander could see the flanks of his regi- 
ment even, and so division commanders could only 
learn how the battle progressed through their order- 
lies, staff officers, and occasional wounded men brought 
from the various parts of the line. I remember seeing 
Captain E. C. Ellis, of the Ninety-third Ohio Volun- 
teers, who was seriously wounded, and I feared mor- 
tally ; but when I asked him how it was going in his 
front, with a smile on his face he replied, " General, 
our boys are giving them Hail Columbia in our front." 
This satisfied me in recrard to the battle in front of the 
Ninety-third. 

About nine o'clock the enemy moved up to attack. 
Our men held their fire until the front line was within 
a hundred yards, and then opened up with a volley 
which staggered the enemy. His second line was 
pushed on and met a similar fate. Their lines fell 
back, reformed, and tried it "again. Five or six times 
this was gone through with. The loss was heavy on 
the part of the enemy, while ours was insignificant 
compared to the brave work done. Baird and Bently 
fought bravely against an outnumbering foe. The 
fiofhtinof was terrible in front of Baird, and had his 
command been driven from the field the day would 
have been lost, for the enemy would have struck me 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



2X\ 



in flank, and the remainder of our line would have 
been taken in the same way. In fact, I felt uneasy 
on both flanks. If the divisions on my right failed to 
hold their places, I could not know it until the enemy 
was upon me. In the course of the afternoon the 
firing was very heavy to our right and rear, and 
Palmer suoraested that we send our reserve brioades 
to that point, which we did; and I am sure these 
reinforcements helped to save the day. Had we been 
driven at that point our army would have been sadly 
defeated. But Thomas, who was there, was as firm 
as the rock of Gibraltar, and drove the enemy from 
the field. Long before this I had learned to confide 
in Thomas. Wherever he was, victory crowned our 
banners. Defeat was unknown to him. About six 
o'clock we fell back to Rossville and encamped for the 
nicrht. It was the Sabbath evening, and I recalled, as 
I watched the silent stars that night, the beautiful lines 
by George D. Prentice : 

SABBATH EVENING. 

How calmly sinks the parting sun ! 

Yet twilight lingers still; 
And beautiful as dreams of Heaven 

It slumbers on the hill ; 
Earth sleeps, with all her glorious things, 
Beneath the Holy Spirit's wings, 

And, rendering back the hues above, 

Seems resting in a trance of love. 

Round yonder rocks the forest trees 

In shadowy groups recline, 
Like saints at evening, bowed in prayer 

Around their holy shrine ; 



232 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

And through their leaves the night-winds blow 
So calm and still, their music, low, 
Seems the mysterious voice of prayer, 
Soft echoed on the evening air. 

And yonder western throng of clouds, 

Retiring from the sky, 
So calmly move, so softly glow, 

They seem to Fancy's eye 
Bright creatures of a better sphere, 
Come down at noon to worship here, 

And from their sacrifice of love 

Returning to their home above. 

The blue isles of the golden sea. 

The night-arch floating high, 
The flowers that gaze upon the heavens, 

The bright streams leaping by, 
Are living with religion ; deep 
On earth and sea its glories sleep. 

And mingle with the starlight rays, 

Like the soft light of parted days. 

The spirit of the holy eve 

Comes through the silent air 
To feeling's hidden spring, and wakes 

A gush of music there ! 
And the far depths of ether beam 
So passing fair we almost dream 

That we can rise, and wander through 

Their open paths of trackless blue. 

Each soul is filled with glorious dreams, 

Each pulse is beating wild ; 
And thought is soaring to the shrine 

Of glory undefiled ! 
And holy aspirations start, 
Like blessed angels, from the heart. 

And bind — for earth's dark ties are riven — 

Our spirits to the gates of Heaven. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 2^, 



:io 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Chattanooga — Short Rations — Scarcity of Forage — Edward Davis, 
A.D.C., appointed Cadet — Captain E. A. Otis off on Sick- 
Leave for a Few Weeks — Return, and assigned to First Division, 
Fourteenth Corps — King, Carlin, and Starkweather Brigade 
Commanders — Generals W. F. Smith and W. B. Hazen perform 
a Gallant Act — General Sherman Arrives — Then General Grant 
— Battle of Mission Ridge. 

Then back throuo-h the bitter nicrht we filed and 
pitched our camps at Chattanooga, and there for long, 
woful weeks our army held its position in the face of 
the beleaguering enemy without, and griping famine 
and mortal disease, grim and unsparing, in its very 
midst. But, in the language of General Thomas, we 
proposed " to hold the place till we starved." The 
enemy was around us and on the river below, making 
it necessary for us to haul all supplies used over a 
rough, rocky, mountainous country. No forage could 
be brought, for, with all the transportation we had, a 
full supply of provisions for the men could not be pro- 
cured. At first we were reduced to half rations, then 
to one-third, then to one-fourth, and finally, the man 
who got a piece of hard bread imagined that he fared 
quite sumptuously. It was strange that through all 
this I never heard a murmur. Each man knew that 
Pap Thomas was doing all in his power for them, and 
nothing more could be done. I had my horse sub- 
sisted on tender cane cut from the river bottom, but 

16 



234 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



daily I could see his flesh departing and his bones be- 
coming more prominent. Poor fellow ! I had no rations 
to divide with him. Afterwards, in the battle of Mis- 
sionary Ridge, I attempted to ride him up the slope, 
but he was too weak to carry me, and getting down 
on his knees, as if begging humbly for mercy, I dis- 
mounted and led him up. A boat arrived that same 
evening, and the devoted animal had a "good square 
meal" on oats on that night. Soon he recuperated 
and was as gay as ever. 

While the army was cooped up in Chattanooga, Mr. 
Davis came out, bringing with him a number of ladles. 
They visited Lookout, and the officer in charge of the 
rebel battery on the top of the mountain endeavored 
to entertain them by firing at the Yankees. The guns 
could not be depressed enough to fire directly at us, 
but he would cut his fuse so that the shells might ex- 
plode and the pieces fly into our tents or houses. I 
was quartered in a house occupying a prominent 
eminence, and that seemed to be his target, but his 
shells either fell short or passed beyond ; still it was 
embarrassing to be made the subject of such marked 
attention. 

While on the march one day I saw a young soldier 
in the ranks of the Twenty-ninth Indiana. His hand- 
some, girl-like face attracted my attention. I directed 
him to report to me on his arrival at camp. I found 
his name to be Frank N. Sheets, and that he was a 
bright, intelligent young fellow, about seventeen years 
old. General John W. Finnell, adjutant-general of 
Kentucky, was at my headquarters when he reported, 
and I requested him to Issue a commission to Sheets 



# 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



235 



as a lieutenant in one of the Kentucky cavalry regi- 
ments. He made out the commission at once, and 
Lieutenant Frank N. Sheets was announced as aide- 
de-camp on my staff. Although a boy, his judgment 
was well matured for one so young. He was brave, 
intelliofent, and faithful, and made a most efficient staff 
officer. His handsome face, his pleasing manners, and 
his creneral intelliorence made him a orreat favorite in 
the division. 

I remember havinof sent him with a message to 
General George H. Thomas, who afterwards said to 
me, "That is a very intelligent aide you have. He 
delivered your message as correctly as if it had been 
written down, and he seemed to have an intelligent, 
comprehensive view of your position, as well as the 
character and size of the force opposed to you. I 
was impressed with his manliness and self-possession." 

In the battle of Chickamauga he was killed by a 
shot of grape and canister. He was on horseback at 
the time, and both he and his horse were instantly 
killed. He was so devoted to me, and so anxious to 
serve and please me, that my affection for him was 
like that of a father for his son. His death was a ereat 
loss to me, officially and socially, for in life he was 
always with me. Another aide was Lieutenant Edward 
Davis, a son of my friend, Mrs. B. O. Davis, of Louis- 
ville, Kentucky. 

General Rosecrans was authorized to desiofnate 
eight young men to represent the Southern States as 
cadets at West Point, and he allowed me to designate 
one of them. I suggested young Davis, on account 
of his intelligence, soldierly bearing, and his established 



236 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

courage. He was appointed, and entered the class 
of 1863, after the battle of Chickamauga. In June, 
1S67, he was graduated and assigned to the Third 
Regiment of Artillery, of which regiment he is still a 
member. These young officers were very efficient 
and always ready for any service required of them. 

While I was at Murfreesboro' I ordered a general 
court-martial, and Lieutenant E. T. Wells, Eighty- 
ninth Illinois \^olunteers, was designated as judge 
advocate. The business of the court was conducted 
so regularly and the record was so neat and business- 
like that I had him detailed as judge advocate of the 
division. Subsequently, at my request, he was ap- 
pointed assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of 
captain, and assigned to duty on my staff. He was 
one of the very best officers I ever met, and ought 
to have commanded a brigade, for which he was 
eminently fitted. I soon found that all routine matters 
could be safely intrusted to him, and this relieved me 
from an immense amount of troublesome details. At 
the battle of Peach Tree Creek he was severely 
wounded, but recovered and served until the end of 
the war, when he received the appointment of United 
States judge for the Territory of Colorado. On the 
admission of that Territory to Statehood he was 
elected Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of the 
State, which position he resigned in order to enter 
upon the practice of the law. He now resides in 
Denver, is a man of undoubted integrity, and an able 
and successful practitioner. 

One of the first officers I selected for duty as aide- 
de-camp was Lieutenant E. A. Otis, of the Second 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



237 



Minnesota Volunteers. A correspondent from that 
regiment to the St. Paul Pioneer said of him, — 

Lieutenant E. A. Otis, of Captain J. J. Noah's company, has 
just been appointed aide-de-camp to General R. W. Johnson. 
General Johnson is an old Minnesotean, — that is to say, he married 
a Minnesota wife. He was on our Northwest station for some years, 
and selected one of our officers on his staff because he felt himself 
identified with us somewhat in our past history and progress. We 
are not brigaded with him, and this separates from us an officer 
generally beloved and highly esteemed by all in our regiment. 

In parting with Lieutenant Otis, Captain Noah loses an officer 
endeared to him by the deepest and warmest ties of friendship and 
confitience, and the entire regiment, as well as his company, share 
alike in regretting the consummation which takes him from his 
beloved comrades in arms. He carries with him our best wishes 
for his success and happiness. 

I found that I had really secured a grand prize in 
this young officer. He was brave, industrious, and 
faithful, and he soon stood in the estimation of the 
division just where he did in his own regiment. After 
the close of the war he was appointed by Governor 
Brownlow district judge in Tennessee. This position 
he soon gave up and removed to Chicago, where he 
stands high as an able and conscientious lawyer. 

When the army first took possession of Chattanooga 
it was a beautiful place. Many fine residences with 
large grounds, beautifully laid out and studded with 
fruit, ornamental, and shade trees, gave it an aristo- 
cratic appearance ; but the scarcity of firewood neces- 
sitated the levelling of these fine trees and the de- 
struction of fences, and starving horses and mules 
played sad havoc with the tender shrubbery. 

Chattanooga is surrounded on all sides by high 



2^8 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

mountains which overlook the city. Above the town 
the Tennessee River winds its way along the base of 
the mountains like a silver thread; passing in front of 
the city, thence running directly toward the northern 
peak of Lookout Mountain, it strikes its base with all 
the force of the current; thence almost at right angles 
disappears from view through its mountain passes. It 
was a place of some importance before the war, and 
at this time the manufacturing interests are such as to 
attract capital and labor, which will in time make it a 
large city, 

In relation to my division at Chickamauga, General 
George H. Thomas said in his official report, — 

Johnson's division of McCook's corps opportunely arrived and 
reported to me. It was deployed and engaged the enemy, and 
after a desperate struggle drove him handsomely for a mile or more, 
capturing seven pieces of artillery. 

After our arrival in Chattanooga I issued the fol- 
lowing : 

Soldiers of the Second Division : 

I must congratulate you on your brilliant achievements on the 
19th and 20th. Seven pieces of artillery, two battle-flags, and a 
large number of prisoners are among your trophies. Your division 
commander expected much of you, and he is happy to say that his 
most sanguine expectation has been more than realized. Although 
you lost many of your comrades, yet you will remember Chicka- 
mauga with pleasure, as it was, so far as you were concerned, a 
glorious victory. You defeated the enemy on five different occa- 
sions. Soldiers, I thank and congratulate you. 

For some weeks preceding the battle of Chicka- 
mauga I was really too unwell to be in the field, but 
under the circumstances I could not ask to be absent; 
but after the battle I took a short sick-leave, and during 



IN- PEACE AND WAR. 



239 



my absence the entire army was reorganized by dis- 
continuing the Twentieth and Twenty-first Corps, con- 
soHdating the troops, and forming the Fourth Corps 
under the command of Major-General Gordon Gran- 
ger. Such divisions as were not transferred to this 
new organization in a body were divided up and dis- 
tributed to other brigades and divisions. 

My cHvision was so divided because I was not pres- 
ent to protest against such rank injustice. It was a 
measure I deeply regretted. For two years the com- 
mand had been too;ether, and the most enduring friend- 
ships had been formed. Together these troops had 
marched and countermarched ; together they had 
fought, and all in common had endured hardships and 
privations. An order easily given at once destroyed 
these associations and scattered us broadcast throuo-h- 
out the army to form other acquaintances and associa- 
tions. The noble men of this division, whose elorious 
record was the pride and boast of each one, were as- 
sioned to new commands, strange and untried to them. 
But men who had so well established their reputations 
for courage and devotion could not fail to prove them- 
selves heroes when the occasion presented itself, no 
matter to what corps or division they belonged. If 
the command had behaved badly or taken an insig- 
nificant part in the battle of Chickamauga there might 
have been some excuse for destroying the organiza- 
tion, but the contrary was true. It neither flinched 
nor faltered nor lost ground during the engagement, 
and was the only command to capture any pieces of 
artillery. Its commander was complimented for their 
heroic conduct by nearly every general officer in the 



240 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



arm}'. Such a command deserved to perpetuate its 
organization, and had I been present my protest would 
have been so earnest that I think General Rosecrans 
would have let it remain intact. 

On my return I found my command wiped out and 
a new one made up for me. It was the First Division 
of the Fourteenth Army Corps, General John M. Palmer 
commanding. This was a fine body of men, made up 
as follows : 

First Brieade : Bricradier-General William P. Car- 
lln, commanding. — One Hundred and Fourth Illinois ; 
Thirty-eighth, Forty-second, and Eighty-eighth Indi- 
ana ; Fifteenth Kentucky ; Second, Thirty-third, and 
Ninety-fourth Ohio, and Tenth Wisconsin. 

Second Brigade : Brigadier-General John H. King, 
commanding. — Nineteenth Illinois; Eleventh Michigan; 
Eighteenth and Sixty-ninth Ohio ; Fifteenth, Sixteenth, 
Eighteenth, and Nineteenth United States. 

Third Brigade : Brigadier-General John C. Stark- 
weather, commanding. — Twenty-fourth Illinois; Thirty- 
seventh Indiana ; Twenty-first and Seventy-fourth Ohio ; 
Seventy-eighth and Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania; First 
and Twenty-first Wisconsin. 

Artillery: Battery C, First Illinois ; A, First Michi- 
gan ; Battery H, Fifth United States. 

One of the disagreeable features of this assign- 
ment was my being placed over General John H. 
King, who was an old captain in the First Infantry 
when I joined the regiment as a second lieutenant. 
Through no fault of his I was appointed a brigadier- 
general before he was, and hence In the volunteer 
service I was his senior and entitled to command over 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 241 

him. I called on him at once and expressed my 
regret that we were brought together under such 
circumstances, and his reply gave me unbounded 
pleasure and satisfaction. It it due to him to say that 
he regarded the final triumph of our arms of much 
more importance than any question of rank, and he 
was willing and glad to serve in any capacity where 
he could be of service to his country. His loyalty to 
the cause was such that he raised no question as to 
previous rank. His ready compliance with all instruc- 
tions from division headquarters, and the gallant and 
skillul management of his command showed him to be 
a true soldier in every sense of the term. So the fear 
I had of the possibility of a lukewarm support on his 
part proved unfounded, and our official intercourse 
was as pleasant as our social intercourse had been in 
years gone by. This service with King is one of the 
pleasant memories of the war. 

I had known General W. P. Carlin since we were 
boys together at West Point, where I was his senior 
by one year. His courage, skill, and ability had been 
tested on other fields, and I confidently relied upon 
his cordial co-operation and support, and through all 
and over all I found him prompt to obey orders and 
always ready for any service however dangerous or 
disagreeable. Wherever he was ordered he went 
without question, and when he led his gallant brigade 
into action, he did so intelligently and fearlessly. 
Subsequently he commanded the division and earned 
for himself the reputation of being one of the very 
best division commanders in the army. 

I find in my scrap-book the following notice of 



,y 



242 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



General Carlin, by an army correspondent in 1864, 
which I reproduce: 

"General William P. Carlin, in 1 86 r, accepted the 
colonelcy of the Thirty-eighth Illinois. After the 
battle of Stone River he received his commission as 
brio-adier-g-eneral. His campaign against General 
Jeff Thompson, in Southwest Missouri, was brilliant 
a*nd successful, and totally destroyed rebel sway in that 
State. During the terrible struggle at Stone River, 
General Carlin's command played the part of ' Stone- 
w'air Jackson, and stood like a mountain against the 
sudden and powerful onslaught of the rebel columns. 
General Carlin, in personal appearance, has much of 
the poet about him, and the keenest phrenologist or 
physiologist can see nothing in that fair, white counte- 
nance to indicate the dash, earnestness, and bravery 
which characterizes him. He is quite delicate looking, 
about five feet eight inches high, and slight build. A 
finely-formed and good-sized head, covered with a 
profusion of rich, brown hair, a high forehead, and 
grayish eyes, indicating determination, with an intel- 
lectual and refined expression of countenance, gives 
you a picture of General W. P. Carlin." 

General Starkweather was soon detached and placed 
in command of Pulaski, Tennessee, and Colonel B. F. 
Scribner, Colonel M. T. Moore, and Colonel Anson 
G. McCook served as brigade commanders. Justice 
was never meted out to Scribner. He should have 
been a creneral officer from the beeinnino- of the 
rebellion, as he was an experienced soldier of the 
Mexican war and a brave man, strict in the perform- 
ance of duty, attentive to the wants of his men, and 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



24: 



in every way worthy and qualified for a higher posi- 
tion. Colonel Moore was a self-possessed, reliable 
soldier, brave in battle and safe in council. 

Colonel A. G. McCook belonged to that fighting" 
McCook family, took great pride in his command, and 
maintained splendid discipline. When his brigade went 
into action he was always in the forefront, where his 
gallantry and cool courage were ever conspicuous. 

Besieged as we were and on short rations, our cause 
was becoming more and more hopeless each day, and 
the necessity of striking a blow with an iron hand to 
remove the rebel obstructions to the navigation of the 
Tennessee became more evident every hour. The 
army had at Bridgeport a large supply of provisions, 
and the steamboats to transport them, but the rebels 
held the river at several points. General Thomas 
directed General Hooker to cross his force at Bridge- 
port, and move along the line of the railroad in the 
direction of Chattanooga. Other troops were sent 
down the river on the north side to cross and rein- 
force him. Two thousand men, under General W. F. 
Smith and General W. B. Hazen, were detailed to man 
a number of pontoon boats, float down the river some 
eight miles, land, and capture the rebel guard at that 
point. This fleet cut loose from its moorings on a 
dark, rainy night, descended the river, passing under 
the frowning brow of Lookout, whose summit was oc- 
cupied by the unsuspecting enemy. Not a word was 
spoken, not an oar moved. Gently and noiselessly 
this expedition passed down unobserved. At a suit- 
able place the boats landed, and with the rapidity of 
the tluinder-bolt the men rushed on shore, surprised 



244 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



and captured the whole rebel force, not one of whom 
escaped to tell the story. Before the silver g'ray of 
morning appeared a pontoon bridge spanned the river 
at that point, and the gallant two thousand were so re- 
inforced that they could not be dislodged. This gave 
us uninterrupted navigation to within eight miles, and 
soon the haversacks of our starving men were par- 
tially filled with good, wholesome food, and happiness 
and contentment once more reigned in Chattanooo-a 
among the rank and file. Not so, however, with those 
hi(jh in command. The drivino- back of the defiant 
enemy from the immediate front was a necessity which 
became more glaring every day. 

The Army of the Cumberland was reinforced by 
General Sherman and his army, and General Grant 
arrived and assumed command of all the forces. He 
visited the various camps, conversed with the officers, 
found all in good spirits and anxious to be led against 
the insolent enemy by which they were surrounded. 
With such a state of feelincj that he found to exist, he 
felt sure of victory when his arrangements were all 
perfected. Troops were placed in position, weak points 
were strengthened, ammunition issued, and the general 
plan of the impending battle discussed among the army 
and corps commanders. 

On the 23d day of November the movement against 
the enemy on Mission Ridgfe beoan. Thomas's com- 
mand rushed out of the temporary works by which 
they had been sheltered, and drove the enemy beyond 
Orchard Knob, which was seized and fortified during 
the night. On the following morning he pushed How- 
ard's corps along the south bank of Citico Creek, where 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



245 



he reported to General Sherman, under whose com- 
mand he served during- the continuance of the battle 
and the subsequent march to East Tennessee for the 
relief of beleaguered Knoxville. 

Under Thomas's supervision, Hooker scaled the 
western slope of Lookout Mountain during the even- 
ing, driving the enemy from his rifle-pits on the north- 
ern extremity and slope of the mountain, aided by 
General W. P. Carlin's brigade of my division, which 
was temporarily detached for this particular service. 
During the advance of Hooker's command up the 
rugged slope of old Lookout, the thin, misty clouds 
which had enveloped the crest of the mountain lowered 
so as to obscure his entire force from the view of the 
main army in the plain below. The rattle and roar 
of musketry was terrific and deafening; and as there 
was no way by which it could be ascertained how the 
conflict was going, the anxiety was intense, and all 
eyes were turned in the direction of Hooker. Sud- 
denly, as if to relieve the army from the painful sus- 
pense, a friendly breeze lifted the clouds, revealing the 
Federal line moving steadily onward and upward. 
The sight was grand beyond description, — a battle in 
the clouds and a victory for the Union forces. 

On the following day our army rushed from its rifle- 
pits, and with a yell and a shout scaled the side of 
Mission Ridge, driving the rebel army in great con- 
fusion from the strong position it had held for months. 
No longer the rebel battery on the top of Lookout 
obstructed the free navigation of the river. The day's 
work was complete. Every stain of defeat had been 
wiped away from our shredded and riven banners, and 



246 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

the cloud-capped brows of Lookout and Mission Ridge 
had been crested with a halo of triumph. This was one 
of the prettiest battles I ever witnessed. In the ab- 
sence, to a great extent, of timber, the movement of the 
entire army as it ascended the slope could be seen. 
General Grant and General Thomas both said in their 
reports that the crest was carried simultaneously at all 
points, and that accords with my own observation. 
Certainly a period of a few moments only could have 
elapsed between the first and last arrival on the crest 
of the ridge. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



247 



CHAPTER XX. 

The Killing of General Nelson by General Davis — General J. B. 
Fry — Death of Nelson Serious Loss to Buell — Part taken by Gov- 
ernor Morton. 

After General Buell fell back to Louisville a ter- 
rible tragedy was enacted in the Gait House by two 
prominent officers, one shooting and killing the other. 
Both of these officers had warm friends, and the circum- 
stance at one time threatened a very serious outbreak. 
General James B. Fry, who was in the hotel at the 
.time and who became conversant with all the facts, has 
recently written and published a very interesting ac- 
count of this lamentable affair, and from it I take the 
following, believing it to be substantially correct. I 
was in the city at the time, and the facts as given by 
General Fry are as I then understood them. The 
death of General Nelson, necessitating a reorganiza- 
tion of the army on the eve of battle, unquestionably 
had a material bearincr on the success of our arms at 
Perryville. Had General Buell had the benefit of his 
services in that memorable battle, it is clear to my mind 
that the result would have been different. General 
Fry says, — 

^^ General Davis has just shot General Nelson T^ said John J. 
Crittenden, as he walked rapidly up to his son, General T. L. Crit- 
tenden, at the Gait House breakfast-table, on the 29th of Septem- 
ber, 1862. This announcement, in the clear and impressive voice 
peculiar to the great Kentucky orator and statesman, sent a thrill 



248 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

of horror through all who heard it. Men hurried to witness or hear 
of the death-scene in the tragedy. Nelson, shot through the heart, 
lay at full length upon the floor. General Crittenden kneeled, took 
his hand, and said, "Nelson, are you seriously hurt?" "Tom, I 
am murdered," was the reply. 

When the Army of the Ohio, under Buell, was moving on Chat- 
tanooga, in the summer of 1862, the line of railroad, some three 
hundred miles long, from Louisville, Kentucky, upon which the 
troops were dependent for supplies, was so frequently broken by 
the enemy that Buell detached Nelson, in whom he had great con- 
fidence, and sent him to Kentucky, with orders to take command 
there and re-establish and protect the line of supply. Upon reach- 
ing his destination. Nelson found himself second to General H. G. 
Wright, whom the President, without Buell's knowledge, had placed 
in command of a military department embracing the State of Ken- 
tucky. Wright's troops, under the immediate command of Nelson, 
and the Confederate forces, under Kirby Smith, fought a battle at 
Richmond, Kentucky, on the 30th of August, in which the former 
were defeated, and Nelson was wounded. The Confederates took 
possession of Lexington and Frankfort, held the " Blue-grass" 
region, and threatened Cincinnati and Louisville. Wright him- 
self looked to Cincinnati, his headquarters being there, and in- 
trusted the defence of Louisville to Nelson. Louisville, threatened 
by both Bragg and Kirby Smith, was in great peril. Nelson — able, 
energetic, arbitrary — was straining every nerve for the defence of 
the city. Davis, who was then on sick-leave in Lidiana, appre- 
ciating the condition of affairs in Kentucky, and hearing that gen- 
eral officers were needed there, volunteered his services, and was 
directed by Wright to report to Nelson, which he did, and was 
charged with the duty of organizing and arming the citizens of 
Louisville. Nelson's quarters and offices were in the Gait House, 
at the north end of the west corridor, on the first or main floor. 
His adjutant-general's office was in room No. 12, and his medical 
director's office in room No. 10. After Davis had been for a day 
or two on the duty to which he had been assigned, he called in the 
afternoon at headquarters, and Nelson said, " Well, Davis, how are 
you getting along with your command?" Davis replied, "I don't 
know." Nelson asked, " How many regiments have you organ- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 249 

ized?" Davis again replied, " I don't know." Then Nelson said, 
" How many companies have yon?" To which Davis responded 
in a seemingly careless tone, "I don't know." Nelson then said, 
testily, "But you should know," adding, as he rose from his seat, 
** I am disappointed in you. General Davis. I selected you for this 
duty because you are an officer of the regular army, but I find I 
made a mistake." Davis arose, and remarked, in a cool, deliberate 
manner, "General Nelson, I am a regular soldier, and I demand 
the treatment due to me as a general officer." Davis then stepped 
across to the door of the medical director's room, both doors being 
open, as the weather was very warm, and said, " Dr. Irwin, I wish 
you to be a witness to this conversation." At the same time Nel- 
son said, " Yes, doctor, I want you to remember this." Davis then 
said to Nelson, " I demand from you the courtesy due to my rank." 
Nelson replied, " I will treat you as you deserve. You have dis- 
appointed me; you have been unfaithful to the trust which I re- 
posed in you, and I shall relieve you at once;" adding, "You are 
relieved from duty here, and you will proceed to Cincinnati and 
report to General Wright." Davis said, "You have no authority 
to order me." Nelson turned toward the adjutant-general, and said, 
" Captain, if General Davis does not leave the city by nine o'clock 
to-night, give instructions to the provost-marshal to see that he shall 
be put across the Ohio." * Upon such occasions Nelson was over- 
bearing, and his manner was peculiarly offensive. Highly incensed 
by the treatment he had received, Davis withdrew; and that night 
went to Cincinnati and reported to Wright, who assigned him to 
command in front of Covington and Newport, Kentucky. A {tw 
days thereafter (September 25) Buell reached Louisville, and super- 
seded Nelson in command, and Wright ordered Davis to return to 
Louisville and report to Buell. In pursuance of Wright's order, 
Davis, on the morning of September 29, 1862, appeared at the 
Gait House, Louisville, the headquarters at that time of both Buell 
and Nelson. When Nelson entered the grand hall, or office, of the 
hotel, just after breakfast, there were many men there, among them 
Davis and Governor O. P. Morton, of Indiana. Nelson went to 

* As given by Dr. Irwin, now surgeon, with rank of major and brevet colonel, 
United States army. 

17 



250 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



the clerk's office, asked if General Buell had breakfasted, and then 
turned, leaned his back against the counter, faced the assembled 
people, and glanced over the hall with his clear black eye. In the 
prime of life, in perfect health, six feet two inches in height, weigh- 
ing three hundred pounds, his great body covered by a capacious 
white vest, his coat open and thrown back, he was the one con- 
spicuous feature of the grand hall. Davis, a small, sallow, blue- 
eyed, dyspeptic-looking man, less than five feet nine inches high, 
and weighing only about one hundred and twenty-five pounds, ap- 
proached, charged Nelson with having insulted him at their last 
meeting, and said he must have satisfaction. Nelson told him 
abruptly to go away. Davis, however, who was accompanied by 
Morton, pressed his demand till Nelson said, "Go away, you 

d d puppy, I don't want anything to do with you!" Davis 

had taken from the box on the counter one of the visiting-cards 
kept there for common use, and, in the excitement of the interview, 
had squeezed it into a small ball, which, upon hearing the insulting 
words just quoted, he flipped into Nelson's face with his forefinger 
and thumb, as boys shoot marbles. Thereupon, Nelson, with the 
back of his hand, slapped Davis in the face. He then turned to 
Morton, and said, "Did you come here, sir, to see me insulted?" 
" No, sir," replied Morton ; and Nelson walked away towards his 
room, which, it will be remembered, was on the office floor, and 
at the north end of the hall or corridor, which extends along the west 
side of the building. A door-way connects this corridor with the 
grand or office hall, and near that door-way starts a staircase, which 
leads from the hall to the floor above. After the slap, Davis turned 

to Captain , an old Mexican-war friend from Indiana, and asked 

for a pistol. Captain did not have a pistol, but he immedi- 
ately obtained one from Thomas W. Gibson, and gave it to Davis. 
Gibson was a friend of Davis, and was from Indiana, but at the 
time of this occurrence he was a practising lawyer in Louisville. 
In the mean time Nelson had passed from the office hall into the 
corridor which led to his room, had walked towards his room, then 
turned back, and was near the foot of the staircase and in front of 
the door-way leading to the office hall, when Davis reached the 
threshold from the office. They were face to face and about a 
yard apart, the one with pistol in hand, the other entirely unarmed. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



251 



Davis fired, and Nelson wallced on up-stairs. Buell,'at the time, 
was in his room, which was near tiie head of the stairs on tlie second 
floor. It is believed that Nelson was on his way to report to Buell 
what had occurred, when he was confronted and shot by Davis. 
Be that as it may, he walked up stairs after he was shot, and fell 
in the hall between the head of the stairs and Buell's apartment. 
Those who had gathered around carried him into the room nearest 
the spot where he fell, and laid him on the floor. He said to Silas 
F. Miller, proprietor of the hotel, who had rushed to the scene 
when he heard the pistol, "Send for a clergyman ; I wish to be 
baptized. I have been basely murdered." The Rev. J. Talbot, 
an Episcopal minister, was called. All the medical aid available 
was summoned. Surgeon Robert Murray, Buell's medical director 
at the time (now surgeon-general of the army), says, "I was sum- 
moned from the Louisville Hotel to the Gait House when he was 
shot. I found him on the floor of his room, insensible, with ster- 
torous breathing, and evidently dying from hemorrhage. The ball 
— a small one — entered just over the heart, had passed through that 
organ or the large vessels connected with it. lam quite sure that 
he did not utter an intelligible word after I saw him." Before Sur- 
geon Murray arrived, however, a number of persons went into the 
room, among them General Crittenden, mentioned in the opening 
of this narrative, the Rev. J. Talbot, and myself. 

At half-past 8 a.m., within less than an hour from the time Nelson 
was shot, he was dead. 

I was in the grand hall of the Gait House when the encounter 
took place, but I did not know Davis was there ; nor had I heard 
of the difficulty that had occurred some days before between him 
and Nelson. They were both my warm friends. Davis had been 
second lieutenant in the company of which I was first lieutenant, 
and part of the time commander. We had been companions and 
messmates. Upon hearing the sound of the pistol I ascertained 
what had happened and made my way through the crowd that 
had gathered around Davis, put my hand upon his shoulder, and 
told him that I placed him in arrest by order of General Buell. I 
was at that time Buell's chief of staff. Davis, though greatly 
agitated, showed no signs of rage. He was glad to be taken from 
his surroundings and placed in formal military custody by a friend 



2^2 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



and fully-empowered military official. I took his arm, and we im- 
mediately went together to his room on an upper floor of the Gait 
House. No policeman had anything to do with his arrest; nor 
did one appear so far as I know. When we entered the room and 
closed the door, Davis said he wanted to tell me the facts in the 
case while they were fresh. He then gave me details of the affair, 
including the decisive incident of flipping the paper wad into 
Nelson's face. I remained with Davis but a few minutes. I am 
satisfied that he had not anticipated the fatal ending to the en- 
counter he had just closed with Nelson. He sought the interview 
unarmed, and so far as known none of his friends were armed 
except Gibson, and it is not probable that he had provided himself 
for this occasion with the small pistol which was passed from him 
to Davis. It seemed to be Davis's purpose to confront Nelson in 
a public place, demand satisfaction for the wrong done him a k\y 
days before, and, if he received no apology, to insult Nelson 
openly, and then leave him to seek satisfaction in any way, per- 
sonally or officially, that he saw fit. It was to fasten upon Nelson 
the insult of a blow that the paper wad was flipped into his face. 
Nelson, no doubt, had that offensive act in mind when he said to 
Morton just after it was committed, " Did you come here, sir, to 
see me insulted?" But, instead of waiting to send a challenge 
or take official action, if he had been inclined to do either, for the 
insult he had received through the paper wad, Nelson avenged 
himself on the spot by returning the blow. Davis then carried 
on the fight, and it reached an end he had not designed. Nelson 
(as well as Davis) had many devoted friends about the Gait House 
at the time, and there were mutterings of vengeance among them. 
But wiser counsels prevailed. Generals Jackson and Terrill were 
the most difficult to appease. They both found soldiers' graves a 
few days later upon the battle-field of Perryville. 

Buell regarded Davis's action not only as a high crime, but as 
a gross violation of military discipline. He felt that the case 
called for prompt and vigorous treatment ; but he could not 
administer it. The campaign was beginning. A new commander 
was found for Nelson's corps, and the army marched the second 
day after his death. Buell could neither spare from his forces the 
high officers necessary to constitute a proper court-martial, nor 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 253 

could he give the necessary attention to preparing the case for trial 
in Louisville, where it was best, if not necessary, to try it. He 
therefore reported by telegraph as follows : 

Floyd's Fork, Kv., 
Via Louisville, October 3, 1S62. (Received 6.20 p.m.) 
General H. W. Halleck : 

Brigadier-General Davis is under arrest at Louisville for the killing of Gen- 
eral Nelson. His trial by a court-martial or military commission should take 
place immediately, but I can't spare officers from the army now in motion to 
compose a court. It can perhaps better be done from Washington. 

The circumstances are, that on a previous occasion Nelson censured Davis 
for what he considered neglect of duty, ordered him to report to General Wright 
at Cincinnati, Ohio. Davis said with reference to that matter that if he could 
not get satisfaction or justice he would take the law into his own hands. On 
the occasion of the killing he approached Nelson in a large company and intro- 
duced the subject. Harsh or violent words ensued, and Nelson slapped Davis 
in the face and walked off. Davis followed him, having procured a pistol from 
some person in the party, and met Nelson in the hall of the hotel. Davis fired. 
The ball entered the right breast, inflicting a mortal wound, and causing death 
in a few minutes, 

D. C. BUELL, 

Major- General. 

The military authorities did not institute the proceedings sug- 
gested in the foregoing report from Buell to Halleck ; nor was 
Davis taken from military custody by the civil authorities; but in 
a few days he was at large. Wright, the general commanding the 
military department in which the offence was committed, explains 
Davis's release as follows: "The period during which an officer 
could be continued in arrest without charges (none had been pre- 
ferred) having expired, and General Buell being then in the field, 
Davis appealed to me, and I notified him that he should no longer 
consider himself in arrest." Wright adds, " I was satisfied that 
Davis acted purely on the defensive in the unfortunate affair, and 
I presume that Buell held very similar views, as he took no action 
in the matter after placing him in arrest." I do not know upon 
what Wright based his opinion that Davis acted purely on the 
defensive, but I am sure he is in error as to Buell's views in tlie 
matter. Davis's course in taking the law into his own hands, and 
the failure to bring him to trial, both met with Buell's unqualified 
disapprobation. 



254 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



The case is without a parallel. A brigadier-general in the highly- 
disciplined army of a law-abiding people, reaching the headquarters 
just as the forces were ready to march to the battle-field, instead of 
reporting for duty against the common enemy, as he was under 
orders to do, sought out a major-general commanding a corps of 
the army to which both belonged, killed him on the spot, and then 
went to duty without punishment, trial, or rebuke. Though offi- 
cially reported, as already shown, no military trial was instituted. 

It appears from the records of the Jefferson Circuit Court, Louis- 
ville, Kentucky, that on the 27th of October (1862) Davis was 
indicted by the grand jury for "manslaughter," and admitted to 
bail in the sum of five thousand dollars. T. W. Gibson, who fur- 
nished the pistol with which Davis killed Nelson, and W. P. 
Thomasson were sureties on his bond. The case was continued 
from time to time until the 24th of May, 1864, when it "was 
stricken from the docket, with leave to reinstate," and nothing 
more was heard of it in the halls of justice. 

It has been said that Davis was pardoned by the Governor of 
Kentucky; but the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth con- 
tradicts this in a letter dated April 8, 1S85, saying, "There is 
nothing on the Executive Journal to indicate that Governor Rob- 
inson or Governor Bramlette issued a pardon to General Jeff. C. 
Davis for the killing of General Nelson." 

There is good reason for the belief that Morton's influence was 
exerted to prevent proceedings against Davis. An able and influ- 
ential lawyer, James Speed, Esq., of Louisville, who was afterwards 
appointed attorney-general in President Lincoln's Cabinet, was 
retained as Davis's counsel, and succeeded in saving his client from 
both civil and military prosecution. 

The summary of services and character made in Buell's order 
issued upon the occasion of Nelson's death is enough for the pur- 
pose of this article. The order says, — 

" The general commanding announces with inexpressible regret 
the death of Major-General William Nelson, which occurred in this 
city at half-past eight o'clock this morning. The deceased was 
bred a sailor, and was an officer of the navy while holding a com- 
mission in the military service. History will honor him as one of 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



255 



the first to organize by his individual exertion a military force in 
Kentucky, his native State, to rescue her from the vortex of re- 
bellion toward which she was drifting. 

" He was a man of extensive information, comprehensive views, 
and great energy and force of character. By his nature he was in- 
tolerant of disobedience or neglect of public duty, but no man was 
more prompt to recognize and foster merit in his inferiors, and in 
his own conduct he set an example of vigilance, industry, and 
prompt attention to duty which he exacted from others. In battle 
his example was equally marked. On more than one field — at 
Shiloh, Richmond, and Ivy Mountain — he was conspicuous for his 
gallant bearing." 

Nelson's remains were buried at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, 
October 2, 1862. On the 21st of August, 1863, they were trans- 
ferred to Camp Dick Robinson, and interred there with appropriate 
honors, but were subsequently removed by his relatives to his native 
place, Maysville, Kentucky, where they now rest. 

Erroneous versions of the encounter between Nelson and Davis, 
unfavorable to the former, were scattered broadcast at the time. 
Nelson's habitual violence of character was exaggerated ; tlie idea 
of retribution supplanted the demands of justice, and public atten- 
tion became fixed upon Nelson's alleged violent conduct toward 
men generally, and not upon Davis's specific act of violence in 
shooting Nelson. Though Davis was aggrieved, it is difficult to 
see now, even if it was not then, how he can be justified in pro- 
voking the final quarrel and committing the foul deed of death. 
The facts will not sustain the theory of self-defence, and the mili- 
tary law, as he well knew, offered prompt and ample redress for all 
the wrong Nelson had done him at their first meeting. But he 
made no appeal to law. On the contrary, he deliberately took 
all law into his own hands. Whether he proceeded solely upon 
his own judgment or was advised and incited by others is not posi- 
tively known, but I do not doubt that Morton, and perhaps others, 
without designing or foreseeing the fatal consequences, encouraged 
Davis to insult Nelson publicly for wrong done in an official inter- 
view. One step led to another in the attempt to place and fix the 
insult, until the end was Nelson's violent death. 

It was a cruel fate that brought about a collision between these 



256 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

two rash men. General ofificers whose country needed them, — 
great soldiers, brother soldiers, — the one bearing an unhealed 
wound received in battle for the cause to which both had pledged 
their lives, was slain by the other; the Union arms, at a critical 
juncture, lost services of incalculable value, and the result of a 
great campaign was very different from what it would have been if 
these men had not prevented each other from performing their 
proper parts in it. 



I have given all the facts in the case, in justice to 
both of these distinguished officers. I knew Nelson 
well. He was a man of energy, nerve, and ability, 
and his loss was a severe blow to our army, as true 
and tried men were scarce in the bleak, dark days of 
the rebellion. To one not well acquainted with him 
his manner appeared brusque, not to say rude ; but 
within that rough exterior which he affected was a 
heart as warm and generous as ever pulsated in the 
bosom of man. 

Governor Morton, who was in Louisville at the 
time, declared that Nelson's conduct towards Davis 
was an insult to Indiana ; and I have no doubt what- 
ever that it was the repetition of this remark that de- 
cided Davis to take the extreme course he did. Both 
were brave men, and neither would permit himself to 
be insulted ; but both were too good soldiers, if left to 
themselves, to setde disputes in the way Davis settled 
this one.. 

The result of all this was the loss of a valuable offi- 
cer and the clouding of the life of another. Once I 
was at Davis's headquarters, and he seemed gloomy 
and sad. I asked him the cause, and he replied, 
"Johnson, you have never had the cross to bear which 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



257 



has weighed me down." To what else could he have 
referred ? 

AkhoLigh General Davis was never tried by either 
a civil or military court, and was never pardoned, yet 
the killincr of Nelson did not seem to lessen his stand- 
ing as an officer or interfere with his military advance- 
ment. He was soon in the command of a division, 
and, on the recommendation of General Sherman, ad- 
vanced to the position of corps commander. At the 
close of the war he was appointed colonel of a new 
regiment. 

At Nelson's funeral I was one of the pall-bearers, 
and opposite to me was General James S. Jackson. 
As we passed out of the church, he said, " Dick, who 
will be the next one ?" Just one week from that day 
I acted in the same capacity for him, he having fallen 
while gallantly leading his men in the battle of Perry- 
ville. 



2s8 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Graysville — Feeding the Destitute — Squabs — Feed your Enemies — 
Heavy Fall of Snow — Peach Crop — " In Search of his Rights" 
— Life in the Swamps of Georgia — Reconnoissance to Buzzard 
Roost Gap — Capture of Lieutenant Ayers — Occupying Tunnel 
Hill — Character of Country between Ringgold and Dalton — 
Major-General Thomas — Snake Creek Gap — Cost of Loyalty — 
Killing Domestic Animals Prohibited. 

After the battle of Mission Ridge, the Fourteenth 
Corps in common with the entire army followed up the 
retreating enemy. General Palmer was with my di- 
vision after dark, when we came suddenly upon Gen- 
eral A. P. Stewart's division, then in camp. The sur- 
prise was complete, and we captured four pieces of 
artillery, two caissons, and many prisoners. The pur- 
suit was kept up for several days, when we returned 
and encamped near Chattanooga, first at Tyner's Sta- 
tion, and then at Graysville. 

The staff of my division was as follows : 

Captain E. T. Wells, assistant adjutant-general. 

Lieutenant H. P. Schuyler, First Wisconsin Volun- 
teers, A.D.C. 

Captain L. H. Drury, Third Wisconsin Battery, 
chief of artillery. 

Captain C. F. Trowbridge, Sixteenth United States 
Infantry, provost marshal. 

Captain E. F. Deaton, C. S. Volunteers, commis- 
sary. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



259 



Lieutenant John Bohan, Thirty-ninth Indiana Volun- 
teers, quartermaster. 

Captain J. E. Edwards, Ninety-fourth Ohio Volun- 
teers, inspector. 

Captain A. Metzner, Thirty-second Indiana Volun- 
teers, topographical officer. 

Lieutenant L. T. Morris, Nineteenth United States 
Infantry, commissary of musters. 

Lieutenant W. R. Lowe, Nineteenth United States 
Infantry, ordnance officer. 

Surgeon S. Marks, Tenth Wisconsin Volunteers, 
medical director. 

Lieutenant W. R. Maize, Seventy-eighth Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, ambulance director. 

The above staff officers were selected because of 
the fitness of each one for the duties required of him. 

I was often complimented on the perfect hospital 
arrangements of my division. The compliments 
should have been bestowed on Surgeon Marks, who 
had exclusive and complete control of that depart- 
ment. He was attentive to his duties and skilful in 
the treatment of diseases and of wounds. At the 
close of the war he returned to Milwaukee, Wiscon- 
sin, his former home, where he now resides and has a 
large and lucrative practice. 

Graysville was a little town built around a railroad 
station, with no resources and completely over- 
shadowed by Chattanooga, only a few miles away. 

The male inhabitants of the place capable of bear- 
ing arms were absent in the rebel army, and the wives 
of such, if pecuniarily able to get away, had gone with 
or followed them. The people we found there were 



2 6o A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

the old and the poor, and very few of the former. 
One old gentleman came to my head-quarters, after I 
had been encamped about a month in Graysville, to 
ask for some flour and meat. He asked me if I was 
not very fond of squabs. I told him that I had never 
eaten one in my life. "Why," said he, "there has 
been a soldier at my house every day for a month to 
get a pair of squabs for your dinner." Some man 
who thought that a request of the general would be 
considered equivalent to an order had imposed upon 
the old man and been able to live sumptuously upon 
the delicate flesh of squabs, while his commander was 
" rouehinof it" on bacon and hard bread. 

Here we had to feed the people. The rebel army 
had consumed all the supplies for miles in its rear, and 
the few remaining people were left in utter destitution. 
Hence it was absolutely necessary for us to issue 
rations to them to prevent suffering. We are com- 
manded to feed our enemies, and the people in that 
neighborhood were entitled to rations on that score. 

Once while on the march we were about to halt for 
the night near a neat-looking farm-house, at which I 
expected to get a good " square meal." I sent a 
member of the escort to see the lady of the house to 
ascertain if she would prepare dinner for myself and 
staff and send it to us at the spring. He was in- 
structed to say to her that she would be fully com- 
pensated. She replied, " We must feed our enemies, 
and God knows I am yours." In due time a splendid 
dinner was prepared for us, which we enjoyed very 
much, but the good woman refused to accept any 
compensation whatever. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 26 1 

In the month of February, 1864, the peach-trees 
were in full bloom and everything indicated an early 
spring-, when we should embark on a long campaign 
through Georgia. About this time snow fell to the 
depth of nine inches, an unusual fall for that latitude. 
I supposed that the peach crop would be a failure, but 
it was not injured, and fine peaches were enjoyed by 
our army as we moved south that summer. In fact, 
fruit was about all that was left on the line of march 
upon which a human being could subsist. A brother 
of mine, Dr. John M. Johnson,'-' now of Atlanta, 
Georgia, left the State of Kentucky " in search of his 
rights." For a long time he was a surgeon in the Con- 
federate army. At one time he and his family were in 
danger of capture by a raiding party under General 
L. H. Rousseau. To avoid capture he took his family 
and a fine cow and started for the swamps, where he 
remained until the danger passed. During his conceal- 
ment all he had upon which to subsist was the milk 
from the cow, and he says, " As long as I live I will 
remember old ' Blossom' with crreat kindness, not to 
say affection." About this time, I suppose, he found 
in the dismal swamps of Georgia all of the rights of 
which he thought he had been so cruelly deprived. 

On February 22, 1864, a reconnoissance in force, 
under the command of Major-General Palmer, was 
made in the direction of Dalton. King's brigade of 
my division was in advance, supported by the other 
brigades. At the end of the first day we encamped 
near Ringgold. Heavy pickets were thrown out, 

* Died May 18, 1S86. 



262 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

which occasionally varied the monotony by advancing 
upon each other and firing with some animation. On 
the second day, Carlin's brigade was in the advance. 
Lieutenant Ayers, Nineteenth United States Infantry, 
ventured out too far and was captured by the enemy. 
Ayers had married, a short time before, the daughter 
of Benny Havens, and although my acquaintance 
with his father-in-law was quite limited, yet I had heard 
of him so frequently while at West Point that even 
his son-in-law seemed near to me, and I was sorry 
that he had determined on taking a trip through 
Georgia In advance of the main army. Carlin placed 
the Thirty-ninth Indiana Mounted Infantry in advance. 
This regiment, one of the best in the army, was com- 
manded by Colonel Thomas J. Harrison. Just before 
reaching Tunnel Hill the enemy's cavalry, about three 
hundred strong, dismounted and erected a hasty bar- 
ricade of rails on either side of the road. 

The Thirty-ninth charged up the road and drove 
the enemy behind the barricades. Carlin advanced 
gallantly with his brigade, and for some moments the 
firing was quite brisk. The commander of this bri- 
gade, fearless and cool as ever, was in the advance, 
constantly under fire, but fortunately escaped uninjured. 
This encjao-ement ended in the dislodg^ement and re- 
treat of the enemy in great confusion. 

The country between Ringgold and Dalton lies well 
for defence. It is a valley, through which the railroad 
passes, with chains of commanding ridges on either 
side, and innumerable knobs here and there along 
the valley, from which artillery could do fearful execu- 
tion. At 4 o'clock p M. on the 27th, King and Carlin's 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 263 

brigades entered die town, driving the enemy before 
them. Captain E. T. Wells and Captain A, Metzner 
of my staff were nearly all day under fire, and dis- 
played their gallantry under circumstances calculated 
to put men's courage to the test. It was in this recon- 
noissance that I had the pleasure of witnessing the gal- 
lantry of Major Hotchkiss and his Minnesota battery. 
It was admirably handled, and did fine execution. 
Finally we reached Buzzard Roost, and the gap in 
the mountains known as Buzzard Roost Gap was 
plainly visible. The railroad passes through this gap, 
and the town of Dalton lies only a few miles south of 
it. This place was so fortified that its passage by an 
army, if properly defended, would be an impossibility. 
The day was one long to be remembered. Brave men, 
who in the morning were gay and hopeful, slept that 
night in the cold embrace of death, while others suf- 
fered from severe and ghastly wounds received while 
boldly advancing upon the foe. King and Hambrlght's 
brigades held the front line. Major-General Thomas 
arrived on the scene to take part in the fighting, but 
it was too late for anything more to be done on that 
day. About midnight an assault was made on Ham- 
brlght's line, which was handsomely repulsed. On the 
followinof mornincr General Thomas took a eeneral sur- 
vey of the defences of Buzzard Roost Gap, and made 
up his mind that the enemy could not be successfully 
attacked at that point. 

The object of the movement having been accom- 
plished, the troops returned to their old camps. 

Through this chain of mountains, and about eighteen 
miles from Buzzard Roost, is another gap or pass-way, 



264 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

known as Snake Creek Gap, which, strange to say, the 
enemy had not fortified. It was Thomas's plan, when 
the general movement began, to demonstrate in force 
against Buzzard Roost Gap, and send the main body of 
his army through Snake Creek Gap to strike the rail- 
road in rear of Dalton, and thus prevent the retreat of 
the rebel army from that point by rail, but General Sher- 
man succeeded him and adopted a plan of his own. 

During the war it was not an unusual thing to meet 
with loyal men of the South, who invariably impressed 
upon their hearers what it had cost them to be loyal. 
Nearly all of them had lost their thousands, and, in 
many cases, it was an easy matter to see that some of 
them never had as many cents to lose. Once I fell in 
with one of these fellows, and his figure was thirty 
thousand dollars, — that is, thirty thousand dollars meas- 
ured his loyalty. Being sure that he never had any- 
thing like that amount to lose, and becomino- wearied 
with hearing it so often, I said to him that I had lost 
two hundred thousand dollars in gold by my loyalty to 
the government. Of course he asked me how it hap- 
pened I had lost so heavily, and I said to him that it 
was in not having money to buy hogs to eat acorns 
and make pork for sale to the army. I never again 
heard of his losses. 

The acorn was the badge of the Fourteenth Corps. 
General Palmer gave orders that no domestic animals 
belonging to the citizens should be killed. One day 
he discovered one of the men with a pig on his 
shoulder. It had evidently died from the effects of a 
gunshot wound, and the soldier was carrying it 
tenderly into camp expecting to feast upon it unknown 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



265 



to his officers. General Palmer said to him, " Have 
you not heard of my order about killing- domestic 
animals ?" Laying- the pig down, the soldier said, 
" General, this brute eats our badge, and nothing shall 
live that shows any disrespect to the badge of the 
Fourteenth Corps." It Is needless to say that the 
soldier carried his meat into camp, and who knows but 
that a choice cut was served on the table of his com- 
mander ? 



266 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Loyalty in Kentucky in 1861 — Arming Loyal Men — Sherman 
advanced to Muldraugh's Hill — Home Guards again — Captain 
John M. Harlan takes Ammunition to Sherman — Sherman as a 
Smoker — Dry Tortugas — Pistol wanted Twenty Years after the 
War. 

In a previous chapter reference was made to the 
Home Guards of Louisville, Kentucky, which patrioti- 
cally rallied to the defence of that city. 

The fall of i86r was a memorable period in the 
history of Kentucky. The attack on Sumter and the 
call for volunteers made it necessary that the State 
should at some time take a definite position in reference 
to the struggle for the preservation of the Union 
against armed rebellion. Those who adhered to the 
government recognized the extraordinary difficulties 
that lay in the way of placing the people of the State 
in line with those who believed that the national ex- 
istence should be maintained at every cost of blood and 
treasure. All the officers of the State, without excep- 
tion, sympathized with the rebellion, and the State 
guard was intensely disloyal. All arms and ammu- 
nition belonging to the State were in the possession 
or under the control of those who intended to ally 
Kentucky with the Southern Confederacy when they 
could safely undertake the task. 

The State was in that condition when the true policy 
was to postpone active co-operation with the Union 
forces until the loyal men could be organized and 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



267 



armed. Mr. Lincoln approved that course, and hence 
did not at the outset occupy the State with the mihtary 
forces of the government. BeHeving that the mass 
of the people were thoroughly devoted to the Union, 
he gave the friends of the government an opportunity 
to educate the public mind by discussion as to the 
danger and wickedness of secession. He avoided 
giving the rebels the excuse for saying that he was 
unwilling to give the people an opportunity to decide 
the pending question for themselves, unintimidated by 
armed forces. The Union men entered vigorously 
upon the canvass for members of the Lower House of 
Congress, in the summer of i86r, upon the single issue 
whether Kentucky should withdraw from the Union. 
Upon that issue every district was carried by the 
Unionists. That election fixed the popular mind 
against the rebel cause and held the State firmly in 
the loyal ranks. 

The next step was to arm the Union men of the 
State. To effect that result. General William Nelson 
was given full authority by President Lincoln. He 
entered into correspondence with Hon. James Harlan, 
James Guthrie, and other leading Union men, and 
made every possible effort to introduce arms into the 
State. He shipped a large number of arm-chests by 
the Kentucky Central Railroad from Covington for 
Camp Dick Robinson, which had been established only 
a few days before. The rebels at Cynthiana got wind 
of this shipment and stopped the train at that place, 
and the arms were returned to Cincinnati. From 
that city, following the suggestion of prominent Union 
men in Louisville, he shipped th-e arms by boat to that 



2 68 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

place. The boat reached Louisville in the night-time, 
and, under the direction of Joshua F. Bullitt, John M. 
Harlan, and others, they were transferred before 
daylight to the Louisville and Lexington Railroad and 
forwarded to Lexington, where, in accordance with 
previous understanding, they were to be received by 
Ethalbert Dudley's Union company. As soon as the 
Confederate company of that city heard of the arrival 
of the guns they rallied under John Morgan and 
then proceeded to the depot to seize them ; but the 
arrival, "just in the nick of time," of Bramlette from 
Camp Dick Robinson, at the head of several hundred 
mounted men, prevented such seizure and secured 
the Qfuns for the Union cause. 

Throughout the State at that time there was immi- 
nent danger of conflicts between individual citizens 
and organizations, on account of their differences in 
reference to the pending struggle. 

At last the rebel forces occupied the extreme south- 
western part of Kentucky, under General Polk, and 
shortly afterwards followed Buckner's invasion from 
Nashville. Then the Union troops from the West, 
fully armed and equipped, poured into the State for 
the purpose of resisting the advancing forces of the 
enemy. General Anderson, of Sumter fame, was or- 
dered to the State, and he was soon succeeded by 
General Sherman and General Thomas, and a number 
of general officers were ordered to report to him. 
Then it was that the Union men set about to organize 
and meet the responsibilities of the hour. Rumors 
came to Louisville, thick and fast, of an advance upon 
that city by Buckner at the head of a large Confed- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



269 



erate force. Sherman determined to occupy Mul- 
draugh's Hill, beyond Lebanon Junction, with such 
forces as he could hurriedly collect together. It was 
in this neighborhood, and only about forty miles apart, 
that Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Davis were born. 

Sherman requested the assistance of the Louisville 
Home Guards, one of which — "The Crittenden Union 
Zouaves" — was under the command of Captain John 
M. Harlan ; and this company constituted the guard 
at General Sherman's headquarters, which were estab- 
lished in the hotel at Lebanon Junction. Sherman's 
watchful eye was never closed. After some few days' 
delay he determined to advance as far as Elizabethtown 
and occupy Muldraugh's Hill with the few soldiers at his 
command. It was here that he called the prominent 
officers of his command around him and informed them 
that he expected to fight a battle, and that "each man 
must understand that he is to stand and fio-ht down to 
the stubbs." 

When he moved from Lebanon Junction he left me 
in command, with only Captain Harlan's company. 
Late in the evening of the day upon which he occu- 
pied Muldraugh's Hill he sent me a note, in which he 
stated that he would probably have a fight, and that he 
wanted me to send him five thousand rounds of ammu- 
nition. I ordered Captain Harlan to comply with the 
order with all possible despatch. The railroad bridge 
beyond was down, and how he was to get that quantity 
of ammunition to Sherman across the Rollinor Fork 
was a question of much importance, and one not easily 
solved. He went back that nio-ht some two miles 
along the railroad and aroused a farmer, and told him 



270 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



to hitch up his wagon, with body on, and prepare for a 
movement into the enemy's country. The farmer de- 
murred, but, seeing- that resistance was useless, he got 
up and harnessed his team. Then he was required to 
drive to the Junction, where there was a hand-car. 
This hand-car was placed on top and across the 
wagon body, and around it were placed the boxes of 
ammunition. About this time it was broad daylight, 
and Harlan started with the team for the crossing of 
the Rolling Fork. The stream was " belly deep" to 
the horses, but the Rubicon was safely crossed. In 
order to direct the team, Harlan mounted the leader 
without saddle or equipments. On reaching the south 
bank the hand-car was placed on the railroad track, 
the ammunition loaded thereon, and then pushed to 
the top of the hill, thence down grade to Sherman's 
headquarters. 

As Harlan was about to enter the stream, mounted 
on the leader, a special artist of some Eastern illus- 
trated paper was on hand to make a sketch of the 
perilous undertaking. This sketch would have been 
much more interesting if it had been known that the 
saddleless outrider was destined to act a prominent 
part in the great war and finally become a member of 
the Supreme Court of the United States. 

While at the Junction, Sherman was walking on the 
platform in front of the hotel, with a cigar in his mouth, 
nearly smoked up and unlighted. Observing a soldier 
smoking, he asked him for a light. The soldier handed 
him his fresh-lighted cigar. Sherman lighted his stump, 
put the soldier's good cigar in his own mouth, threw his 
stump away, thanked the soldier for his courtesy, and 



IN PEACE AND WAR, 271 

walked on, not realizing what he had done. The 
soldier good-naturedly laughed, and remarked in an 
undertone, "That's cool, isn't it?" 

It is not at all surprising that old Tecumseh was at 
that time forgetful of many things. All was confusion 
around him. Much was expected, yet he had very 
little with which to do anything. I remember to have 
often heard him, while at Lebanon Junction, declare 
that neither the authorities in Washington nor the 
people at large had any conception of the vast work 
before them in conquering the rebellion ; that the war 
would last for several years before the rebels would 
be overthrown and the Union restored. His eenius 
for war was evidence to the politicians that he lacked 
mental balance. But subsequent events showed that 
he was wiser than all who were around him. 

While at the Junction the pickets arrested a young 
man by the name of Payne. He was well mounted, 
fully armed, and on his way to join the rebel army at 
Bowling Green. He was disarmed and brought to my 
headquarters for examination and final orders in his 
case. He was candid in his answers to all questions 
I asked him, and was free to confess his object and in- 
tentions. 

For some time I held him in suspense, and at last, 
becoming Impatient, he asked me what I was going 
to do with him. Pausing for a few moments to pro- 
long his agony, I said, " I shall send you to the Dry 
Tortuo-as to remain durlnor the war." This was a 
place of which he had never heard; so I explained its 
geographical location, character, etc. I saw he was 
not pleased, and directly he said to me that if I would 



2 72 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

pardon his offence he would return to his home, and 
remain during the war a true and loyal citizen. So I 
ordered his release. A few years since I had a letter 
from his father, asking me to send him his son's 
pistol. 

On another occasion the guard brought in two citi- 
zens who had just arrived from the enemy's lines and 
were on their way to Louisville. Their names were 
given to me as Bob Bell and O. W. Thomas, of Louis- 
ville. Bell I had known from boyhood ; in fact, we 
were boys together. When he was told that he would 
have to go to the headquarters of Colonel Johnson, 
he was not aware that his old-time friend was the 
Colonel Johnson into whose presence he was soon to 
appear. 

When my door was opened and these two men 
were ushered in, they were too mad to look at me, 
but kept their eyes on the floor. I said, *' Well, Bob 
Bell, what are you doing here ?" He looked up, and, 
recognizing me, he said, " Dick Johnson, I was never 
so glad to see you in all my life ; give me your hand, 
old fellow." Then he introduced me to Mr. Thomas. 
I learned that they had been South to collect some out- 
standing debts, and that they were then en roiUe to their 
homes in Louisville. I ordered their release, and two 
very happy men went on their way rejoicing. From 
that time to the present I have always numbered 
Thomas among my friends, and whenever I see him 
he invariably refers to his first introduction to me. 

On another occasion a lady was arrested. She was 
on her way to Louisville, and had a ponderous trunk 
in her possession. It was but right that the contents 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 273 

of the trunk should be examined. Not wishing- to 
overhaul a female's wardrobe, of which I knew so 
little, and learning that her brother, Major Nicholas, 
was in my command, I had him examine her baggage, 
and, as he reported finding nothing " contraband of 
war," I permitted her to pass on to her home. On 
the following day I received a large basket of choice 
fruit, in recognition of my " kindness and consideration 
for her," 



274 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

During Winter of 1863-64 Preparations made for a Grand Cam- 
paign — Duplicate Bridges prepared — Buzzard Roost Gap moved 
upon — General John A. Logan — Resaca — Singular Death Wounds 
— Captain Henry M. Stinson, of General Howard's Staff — Gen- 
eral King — Wounded by Shot fired from Captain Howell's Bat- 
tery — Captain Dilger — McPherson Fell — Chief of Cavalry. 

During the winter of 1863-64 the preparations were 
made for a grand campaign. All the troops that could 
be spared from other points were concentrated under 
Sherman near Chattanoogfa. Grant in the East and 
Sherman in the West were too far apart to be of any 
assistance to each other, except by indirection. If 
Grant pushed the enemy closely no troops could be 
spared to operate against Sherman, and vice versa. 

General Grant designated the 2d day of May for the 
advance of both armies, but finally the 5th was agreed 
upon, and the same was announced in orders. On the 
2d, Davis's and Baird's divisions joined at Ringgold, and 
on the following day my division closed upon the other 
two, and thus we had our entire corps concentrated 
under the command of Major-General John M. Palmer. 

Sherman had an army not less than one hundred 
thousand strong, composed of as fine troops as were 
ever assembled together, The Union forces exceeded 
the rebels, but this preponderance was overbalanced by 
the nature of the campaign. General Johnston, the 
commander of the Confederate army, was acting on 
the defensive, and when he fell back he had no de- 



JN PEACE AND WAR. 



275 



tached positions to be held by which his main army- 
was depleted. As the Federal army advanced, Sher- 
man was compelled to protect his line of communica- 
tion, and this implied a constant depletion of the main 
army. Every bridge and tunnel had to be guarded, 
and protection had to be furnished to trains and sup- 
ply depots, so the army did not advance far before the 
strenoth — I mean the fiohtinof strentrth — of both armies 
was about equal. 

Some of General Sherman's staff officers ascertained 
the length of every bridge and culvert from Chatta- 
nooga to Atlanta. Duplicates of the most important 
ones were made in anticipation of the possible destruc- 
tion of the originals by the enemy, and these duplicates 
were hurried forward as soon as needed. It was a mys- 
tery to the enemy how little our army was delayed by 
destroyed bridges. A captured rebel once said that it 
was generally believed in the South that Sherman not 
only moved with duplicate bridges but also duplicate 
tunnels, as the destruction of either failed to delay the 
onward march of his grand army. At Tunnel Hill 
our corps met with determined resistance, but on the 
arrival of General Howard with his corps the enemy 
fell back to Buzzard Roost. 

It was Sherman's plan to make a demonstration in 
force at Buzzard Roost to convey the impression that 
it was his main point of attack, and while this demon- 
stration was progressing, McPherson, with his corps, 
was to pass through Snake Creek Gap, strike, and 
destroy the railroad in rear of the Confederates. Had 
this plan been successful, Johnston would have been 
compelled to retreat independent of the railroad, and 



276 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



could have been pursued and destroyed in a very short 
time. After a few days spent demonstrating at Buzzard 
Roost, the greater portion of our army was ordered 
to move to the right and pass through Snake Creek 
Gap. The enemy got wind of our movement, and fell 
back, destroying the bridge over the Oostanaula River, 
after a sharp conflict with the Union forces In the vicin- 
ity of Resaca, McPherson found, on his approach to 
Resaca, that it was fortified and manned so heavily 
that he could not hope to dislodge the enemy, and so 
he encamped near the south end of Snake Creek 
Gap. I passed through this narrow gorge after dusk, 
and seeing my corps commander, I rode up to him, 
and was then and there introduced to General John A. 
Loean, the first and last time I ever saw him. I remem- 
ber I was impressed with the idea that something had 
eone wrone with him, and that he was out of humor in 
consequence. Conscious that I was not the offending 
party, I bade him good-evening and joined my com- 
mand. I confess that I have always been curious to 
know just the cause of his displeasure. 

After the retreat of the enemy from Resaca, I passed 
over the battle-field and noticed the peculiar manner 
in which one of the enemy's sharp-shooters had been 
killed. He had been lying on the ground behind an 
old, decayed log. His head was raised, and he was in 
the act of firing when a cannon-ball struck the log, 
passing through it, striking him just below the chin, 
and passing through him on a line parallel to his back- 
bone. On another occasion I was with General King. 
A halt had been made for some reason, and one of the 
regular soldiers lay down, with his head against an old. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



277 



badly-decayed log-, to take a short sleep. When the 
order was given to fall in, he did not move, and, on 
examination, he was found to be dead. An ordinary 
bullet had passed through the log and entered his skull, 
producing instant death. 

On another occasion a soldier was asleep, when a 
shell from the enemy's line, in passing over him, cast 
off a sharp, rusty scale, which, striking him in the 
jugular vein, produced almost instant death. 

It is astonishing- what severe wounds some men can 
receive and yet recover, while others die from injuries 
apparently of the slightest character. Gunshot wounds 
which cause men to fall to the ground at once are 
mortal nine times out of ten. While on the Adanta 
campaign, General O. O. Howard invited me to ride 
out with him in front and to the left of our lines. 
Arrivinsf near the edofe of a large field, we left our 
staff officers and orderlies in a sheltered position and 
stepped near the edge of the field. Howard, with his 
field-glass, looked across the clearing and discovered 
men throwing up breastworks on the elevated ground 
beyond. He passed the glass to me and I observed 
the same thing. Just at this time Captain Harry M, 
Stinson, of General Howard's staff, stepped in between 
us and took the glass, and was sweeping the woods 
beyond the field, when suddenly I heard two distinct 
reports, as if two objects had been struck at almost 
the same instant. Young Stinson reeled and fell. 
The ball passed through him and buried itself In an 
oak-tree in his rear. It was the striking of the tree 
which made the second report. We got the young 
man to the rear and examined his wounds, I sup- 



278 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

posed that he could not possibly survive many hours, 
and General Howard thouoht so likewise, for he beo^an 
to question him as to his faith and hope. Even away 
off in that dangerous locality the Christian soldier 
breathed words of encouragement in the ears of that 
young man. In a short time he was able to go back 
to East Tennessee, where, in Cleveland, he was for 
several months tenderly and lovingly cared for. When 
sufficiently strong he rejoined General Howard. One 
day when riding around my lines I met him, and was 
surprised, for I had supposed him dead and buried 
months before. He continued on duty, and was in 
Florida at the surrender of the troops in that State, 
where, by over-exertion, he died from internal hemor- 
rhage on February 22, 1866. General Howard says 
of this young officer, '• He was a nephew of James G. 
Blaine. First went out as a private in the Fifth Maine; 
was taken prisoner at Bull Run while caring for his 
brother, who was mortally wounded. After he was 
exchanged he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, 
and was ever after that on my staff." 

On the night of the day upon which this young man 
was wounded we had a heavy battle. After the firing 
ceased both armies rested on their arms for the night. 
Our wagons could not find us, and hence we had 
nothing to eat and no blankets upon which to sleep. 
General King and myself bivouacked together, sleeping 
on a saddle-blanket and coverincr ourselves with an 
India-rubber blanket which some unselfish soldier let 
us have for the night. Our pillow was a stone which 
we found against the root of a laro^e tree. Of course 
we could sleep only for a few moments at a time, but 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



279 



we manaofed to Qr-et throuo^h the nio-ht. The followine 
morning a dense, heavy fog hung over and around us, 
and it seemed that dayhght would never again appear. 
Finally my cook came up and informed me that if 
permitted to make a fire he could soon have some 
coffee prepared. I pointed out to him a low place in 
the dry bed of a wet-weather stream, and soon he had 
a fire under headway. Others, seeing him, made fires, 
and soon a heavy column of smoke ascended above 
the tops of the trees, revealing our exact whereabouts. 
At this time King and myself were sitting on the 
stone which we had used for a pillow, with our faces 
buried in our hands and our hands on our knees. 
Suddenly the enemy opened with one or more bat- 
teries upon our position. I straightened myself up in 
time to see the effect of the first shot, which was to 
cut a soldier Into two pieces ; the second shot carried 
away the arm of Colonel Niebling, of Ohio ; the 
third shot orrazed the talma of Kino- and struck me 
just over the liver and disabled me. I was taken back 
to a safe place and King assumed command of the 
division. If he had had the same amount of curiosity 
that I exhibited he would have received the twelve- 
pound shell instead of myself. 

In a few days I went North, and was absent from 
the army until after the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. 
I returned July 18, 1864, and assumed command of 
my division the day before it crossed the Chattahoochie. 

When on a visit recently to Atlanta I was invited to 
dine with a number of gentlemen at the house of Mr. 
A. W. Hill. I was seated by the side of Captain 
Howell, one of the able editors of the Atlanta Con- 



28o A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

stitutioji. I was explaining to him when and how I 
was wounded, and he remarked, " It was my battery 
that fired the shot, but I am glad it did not kill you." 
I asked him if he would like to have the shell, and he 
replied, " No, indeed ; I hope I shall never see another 
twelve-pound shell as long as I live." 

On the morning of the 20th day of July I met 
General Mackay, of General Thomas's staff. I had 
known him years before in Texas, and he knew Hood 
very well when he was a lieutenant in my regiment. 
He said, "We are going to have a hard battle to-day." 
I asked him why he thought so, and he replied, " I 
have just seen an Atlanta paper which contains an 
order placing Hood in command and relieving John- 
ston ; and," said Mackay, "a man who will bet a thou- 
sand dollars without having a pair in his hand will 
fight when he has the troops with which to do it." 

Sure enough, about three o'clock that same after- 
noon Hood moved his army out, as if forming on 
parade, and when all was in readiness he sprang upon 
us. The main portion of his army was thrown against 
the left of ours, his extreme right being opposite to 
my left brigade, which was commanded by Colonel A. 
G. McCook. My other brigades and Davis's and 
Baird's divisions were to the right, and were not en- 
gaged. The assault was a desperate one, and the 
casualties great on both sides. Hooker's corps, im- 
mediately on the left of my command, suffered most 
heavily. Hood was finally repulsed, and fell back on 
his intrenchments. 

I had attached to my division an Illinois battery, 
commanded by Captain Dilger, an officer in the Prus- 



JN PEACE AND WAR. , 28 1 

sian army. It was said that he, in company with an- 
other young officer of the Prussian service, came to 
this country to witness the war, and that it was de- 
cided, on their arrival in New York, that one should 
join the Federals and the other the Confederates. It 
fell to Dilger's lot to join the Federal army. Through 
some instrumentality he secured Battery C, of Illi- 
nois artillery. Dilger dressed in buckskin clothing, 
and was known throughout the army as "Leather 
Breeches." He was a gallant fellow, and w^hen an 
engagement took place generally rushed his battery 
out to the skirmish line. I was always fearful that the 
enemy would charge upon him suddenly and capture 
his entire outfit, and so I had him instructed not to 
leave the main line unless ordered forward. In the 
battle of the 20th, regardless of my orders, he moved 
forward to the front line and had several of his can- 
noneers killed by the enemy's sharp-shooters. After 
the battle I said to him that he had violated my orders 
in ooinof too far to the front, and in doino- so had lost 
several men. " No, no, general, I did not lose any men." 
I told him that it had been reported to me that several 
of his men had been picked off" by the enemy's sharp- 
shooters. " Oh, yes, with dem leetle balls ; none by 
artillery." Belonging to the artillery, he did not count 
a man killed unless he was killed by a cannon ball or 
shell. He was a fearless fellow and had a splendid 
battery, and was never so happy as when engaged 
with the enemy. He did not again return to his native 
country. While General Palmer was Governor of Illi- 
nois, I think "Leather Breeches" was his adjutant- 
o-eneral. I believe he still resides In that State. 

o 

19 



282 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

On July 2 2, Hood made another sortie, this time 
striking our extreme left. Acrain the losses were 
heavy. It was here that the gallant McPherson fell ; 
and as soon as his death was known. General John A. 
Logan took command, and by his good management 
showed himself to be a splendid soldier and an able 
commander. General O. O. Howard succeeded to the 
command of McPherson a few days after this battle. 
Sherman decided on the movement of his army to the 
rieht, and to effect this he ordered Howard to move in 
rear of our line and take position on our right. It 
seems that this movement was not known to Hood. 
One day I heard one of our pickets call to the rebel 
picket, saying, "Johnnie, how many men have you got 
left?" He replied, "Enough for one or two more kill- 
ings." On the 28th, Hood moved out on the Lick 
Skillet road to attack our riQ:ht. Here he found the 
same troops he had encountered on the 2 2d, and with 
about the same result. This was Howard's first battle 
with his new command, and so well did he handle it 
that his army was convinced that the gallant McPher- 
son had a worthy successor. If there had been any 
silent opposition to him before, it was forever silenced 
after this engagement. 

General Hood telegraphed to Richmond that he had 
been compelled to fight a hard battle on the Lick 
Skillet road ; " but," said he, " we hold the road." 
That was true, but the part of it that his army held 
was inside of the city of Atlanta. 

General Palmer was relieved of the command of the 
Fourteenth Corps at his own request, and by virtue of 
seniority I commanded it until a successor was desig- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 283 

nated. General Jeff. C. Davis was appointed major- 
general by brevet and assigned to duty according to 
his brevet rank and placed in command of the corps. 
I was really unfitted for active service, and General 
Sherman assigned me to duty as chief of cavalry, and 
ordered me to take post at Nashville and superintend 
the equipping and forwarding of all cavalry reaching 
that city. 

I have hurriedly passed over this campaign simply 
for the reason that I did not wish to weary the gen- 
eral reader with details which can be procured in the 
many excellent histories of the war already published. 
The march from Chattanooo;-a to Atlanta was one 
creneral battle. It mio^ht almost be said, durino- those 
long months of combat which culminated in the capture 
of Atlanta and Northern Georgia, that, like the Israel- 
ites of old, we followed a cloud by day and a pillar 
of fire by night. For in that time Dalton, Resaca, 
Kenesaw, New Hope. Church, Picket's Mill, Peach 
Tree Creek, Jonesboro', and Altoona, and all those 
other crimson names of battle, had been traced bloodily 
into the history of our grand army. Every day had 
the smoke-cloud of battle kissed the heavens, and 
each night had flamed and flashed with the lambent 
lights of our blazing guns, and we had followed that 
smoke-cloud and those blazingr oruns over a hundred 
fields of strife until the old flag floated in exultation 
over the great "Gate City" of the South. 

At Atlanta our legions separated, many of them 
never to meet again this side of the dark valley of 
death. The Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps, with 
most of the cavalry of the command, joined Sherman 



284 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

in that eagle swoop of his which served in so great a 
measure to stamp out the expiring embers of the 
rebelHon, and participated in that storied " march down 
to the sea." 

This command went the whole "grand rounds" 
through Georoia and the Carolinas, and oraced with 
the blazonry of its presence the supreme crisis of 
that proud triumph when the second great military 
stay of the rebellion succumbed to the logic of war 
and the point of the bayonet in North Carolina. It 
also joined in that gala day of glory, when two hundred 
thousand soldiers, in all the splendid pomp and glit- 
tering pageantry of their magnificent equipment, 
tramped up the avenues of the capital city of the land, 
and the paeans of the great jubilee of the nation's 
deliverance rang in deep thankfulness from ocean to 
ocean. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



285 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Sherman starts South — Hood starts North — The Race for Nashville 
— Battle at Franklin — Battle of Nashville — Pursuit of Hood — 
Crossing the Harpeth — Smith's Artillery — Entrance into Franklin 
— Our Wounded — Mr. Lincoln's Estimate of the Number of the 
Enemy — Battle of Nashville — Reported Dead — Was Hood jus- 
tified in making a Campaign to Tennessee? — An Enlisted Man 
on Battle of Nashville. 

When Sherman started for the sea, Hood concluded 
to operate in his rear, and if he could seize Nashville 
he was perfectly willing that Sherman should have a 
triumphal march to the sea. To provide against this 
contingency, Sherman left Thomas, with the Fourth and 
Twenty-third Corps, to look after the safety of his rear. 
After some days of preparation, Hood marched for 
Florence, Alabama, intending to cross the Tennessee 
at that point and march directly upon Nashville. With 
all possible despatch Thomas moved his troops to 
Pulaski, Tennessee. He remained in Nashville to 
collect all the available troops and have them organized 
and ready for service on Hood's arrival In front of the 
city. The advance was In command of General John 
M. Schofield, who was ably assisted by General D. S. 
Stanley, the commander of the Fourth Corps. Scho- 
field fell back to Columbia and then to Franklin, Ten- 
nessee. Having practically nothing to do, I reported 
to General Thomas and asked to be assigned to any 
command where I could be of any service, and he gave 
me a division of cavalry, command of which I assumed 



286 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

at Pulaski, being under the immediate command of 
General J. H. Wilson, the commander of all Federal 
cavalry in the South. When Schofield fell back to 
Franklin our cavalry was on the flank on the Harpeth, 
about two miles from the town. Temporary breast- 
works were thrown up by Schofield in front of 
Franklin, and Hood rashly marched his command 
against them. A terrible battle resulted, in which there 
were seven Confederate Q^eneral officers killed. One 
of these, General John Adams, formerly of the regular 
army, was killed and fell upon our intrenchments. Such 
marked bravery was never before shown on any battle- 
field. At one time there was a break in our line, and 
had it not been for the presence and gallantry of 
General Stanley and General Opdyke it is probable 
that our entire line would have been driven back. 
But Stanley, placing himself at the head of a brigade, 
charged the enemy and drove him back, thus re- 
establishinof our line. About nine o'clock at nioht 
General Schofield sent a despatch to General Wilson 
announcing the result of the battle, which was the first 
intimation we had that a severe battle had been fought. 
The sound of cannon and musketry failed to reach us, 
although we were within less than three miles of the 
battle-field. Stanley had a horse killed under him and 
was himself wounded. Few officers in the war did 
more faithful service than Stanley, who has only re- 
ceived, within a year, his well-earned promotion to a 
brigadiership. I think of all the general's I met 
durinof the war Schofield was the coolest and most 
self-possessed. I never saw him excited ; he was 
always ready for any emergency, and had many points 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 287 

in common with General George H. Thomas, " the 
rock of Chickamauga," my beau ideal of a thorough 
soldier. When he fell back from Franklin to Nashville 
he coolly marched through the enemy's camp, and some 
of his soldiers lighted their pipes at the Confederate 
camp-fires, at least such is claimed by a part of his 
command. 

At last our entire army was concentrated at Nash- 
ville, with the exception of Rousseau's division, which 
was left in the fortifications at Murfreesboro'. Soon 
Hood appeared and encamped around the city and in 
full view of our fortifications. Thomas did not wish to 
offer battle until his arrangements were completed, 
and the passiveness of Hood was just what he most 
desired. He was strongly urged from Washington to 
attack at once, but his uniform reply was, " You can 
relieve me if you wish, but I will not offer battle till I 
am ready. I am doing all in my power, and I hope to 
be able to move by a certain date." That day arrived, 
but the QTound was covered with ice. The horses 
were smooth-shod, and it was impossible to move the 
cavalry or the artillery. On the 14th day of Decem- 
ber, 1864, the ice had disappeared, and Thomas or- 
dered a movement against the enemy on the following 
morning. At the appointed time the army swept out 
of its fortifications and actually and utterly annihilated 
the veteran ranks of the enemy. Not, perhaps, in all 
the history of authentic war is there another case where 
the besieged, gathered, as was this command, on the 
spur of the occasion from every direction, — detach- 
ments, raw recruits, drafted men, new regiments, with 
the Fourth and Twenty-third Corps as the nucleus of 



288 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

organization, — throwing down every barrier and laying 
aside every artificial defence, rushed out upon an out- 
numbering foe, versed in all the strategy of war, and 
beat him face to face and front to front in fair and open 
contest. Never was victory more complete or defeat 
more crushing and overwhelming. Hood's army was 
literally and actually broken up and destroyed, and its 
usefulness as an effective military organization ruined 
effectually and forever. Sennacherib's host scarcely 
melted away more completely. 

The battle of Nashville was the last stao-orerinp- blow 
at the failing Confederacy, and contributed in a large 
degree to the success of military operations in the 
East. Had the termination been different the rebel- 
lion would have received a new lease of life, and other 
and bloody campaigns would have been the legitimate 
consequences. Richmond would have been reinforced 
and the rear of Sherman's army would have been en- 
dangered, while but a flimsy line of posts would have 
intervened between the rich cities of the Northwest 
and the sack and pillage of Hood's needy and desper- 
ate squadrons. 

In this battle my cavalry division occupied the ex- 
treme right of our army, and succeeded during the 
first day in driving the enemy about eight miles. At 
night I occupied, with my staff, the house of a Mrs. 
Bass. She said she had no forage for our horses, 
having been deprived of all corn and oats by the Con- 
federate army. While sitting with the family, after 
supper, in front of a fine open fire, a little urchin 
thrust his head through the door-way and said, 
" Mamma, we have got all the corn into the cellar." 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



2S9 



I pretended not to hear him, for the poor woman had 
but Httle, and I thought it would be cruel to take that 
little from her. 

As soon as it was light enough to see, my command 
was again in motion. We soon engaged the enemy, 
and constantly pressed him back. At night I occupied 
the best house I could find. There was only one room, 
and of this the owner, his wife, children, and dogs 
were tenants in common ; however, we all crowded 
together in that one room. It had rained all day and 
we were wet to the skin, and when the odors natural 
to the house were combined with those of wet horse- 
blankets, wet dogs, and other mal-odors I could not 
dream of the sweet and rich perfumes of Arabia. I 
never prayed more earnestly in my life for the coming 
of the light of another day, whatever might be its 
issues. Here I received an order from General 
Thomas to push on, cross the Harpeth, and attack the 
enemy then in the town of Franklin. When we 
reached the Harpeth it was rising rapidly, owing to 
the incessant rains, and it was necessary to hasten the 
crossing before the depth of water would be too great 
to permit of the passage of the artillery. The bat- 
tery was under the command of Lieutenant F. G. 
Smith, now brevet major, a splendid officer, a brave 
and thorough soldier. We finally succeeded in reach- 
ing the south bank, and marched up the stream in the 
direction of the town. Reaching the bluff overlooking 
the village. Smith brought his guns in position and 
fired a volley, the rebels fell back in great confusion, 
and my division moved at a rapid pace into the town, 
where we were greeted by all of our wounded in the 



290 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



battle previously fought near that place. They were 
greatly delighted at getting once more under the 
shadow of the stars and stripes. 

While I believe that my command was the first to 
reoccupy the town of Franklin, yet I suppose there 
are a dozen divisions to claim the honor, so I will not 
raise the issue here, but simply say that we got into 
the town as soon as we could get there, and were soon 
joined by other commands, who were enabled to cross 
the bridge w^hen Smith's volley compelled the rebels 
to retire. I have often supposed the rebels imagined 
that the greater part of our army was on the south 
side of the Harpeth, whereas I had only about two 
thousand men ; and had it been known that we were 
completely cut off from our army by high water, they 
might have turned against us and made it very un- 
comfortable, even if they had failed to kill or capture 
the last one of the command. But I suppose the 
leader of the rebel forces imagined that he was out- 
numbered three to one. 

It is astonishing how commanders are apt to over- 
estimate the strength of their opponents in battle. A 
delegation of ministers of the gospel called to pay 
their respects to Mr. Lincoln, and in course of con- 
versation one of them asked the President how 
many men Mr. Davis had under arms. Mr. Lincoln 
replied, '* Three millions, sir." " Can that be possible?" 
queried the divine. " Oh, yes," said the President, "I 
have the figures for It, We have one million under 
arms, and all my generals report in every engagement 
that they are outnumbered three to one. Admitting 
this. It is clear that the rebel army must be three times 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 291 

as large as ours, and hence I assert positively that 
there are three millions of men under arms against 
the oovernment of the United States." 

For some days before the battle of Nashville my 
wife had been a guest at the St. Cloud Hotel, and 
she could hear the roar of artillery and the rattling of 
musketry as the battle progressed. As my command 
was on the right, and as my instructions were to move 
with my right on the bank of the river, I soon lost 
communication with the main army. Some time in the 
afternoon a local paper issued an extra, and among the 
items of news was the following: 

"It is reported that General R. W. Johnson has been 
killed. He was an excellent officer, a clever gentle- 
man, and in his death the service loses a worthy and 
indispensable leader." I was glad to read the item, 
not only because I knew it was not true as to my 
death, but from it I learned just what would have been 
said of me if I had died for my country. 

The heavy rains, producing swollen streams, favored 
Hood's escape. When his army crossed a stream the 
bridge would be destroyed and we would have to 
delay until another was constructed. In this way the 
enemy crossed the Tennessee River and made good 
his escape. Hood was charged with great rashness 
in penetrating the State of Tennessee. Let us look 
at his campaign in the light of probable success. 
Sherman had started for the sea, takine with him the 
greater portion of his grand army which had been 
opposing Johnston and Hood all summer. Thomas 
was left with a small command, and everything seemed 
favorable for a successful invasion of Middle Ten- 



202 --i SOLD/FJ^'S J?£Jf/A^/SC£NC£S 

nessee, the capture of Nashville, and even the planting- 
ot" the Confederate tlag on the banks of the Ohio 
River. The I'nion cause would liave been seriously 
damaged by the capture of Nashville, with its immense 
stores of provisions, camp and garrison equipage, to 
say nothing of the large quantity of artillery, small 
arms, and ammunition which would have fallen into 
the hands of the Confederates. 

The chances of success were so much in Hood's 
favor, and, if successful, so fraught with advantages to 
the insurgents, that in my opinion he was warranted 
in taking the risk. Fortunately for the cause of the 
Union, Sherman had left behind him a man of energy 
and ability ; a man in whom all had confidence ; a man 
who had never known defeat. General George H. 
Thomas, "the greatest Roman of them all," was called 
upon to decide the fate of the State, — ah, of the nation 
itself! Hurriedly he gathered his forces together. 
His subordinate commanders were called around him, 
and each was told the part he had to take in die 
coming conflict. His order of battle was a full report 
oi what was done : no word of explanation was neces- 
sary. He ordered ; it was obeyed. At a given signal 
our entire line advanced, and with a whoop and a yell 
all the various parts of tlie army were engaged, from 
the cavalry on the right to the dusky sons of IMars, 
under Steadman, on our left. 

The plan was without a flaw, and the general whose 
peerless wisdom projected it had the consummate skill 
to accomplish it in all its details, from die opening 
volleys of the left wing, where the colored troops bore 
the national flag up to the very intrenchments of the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 293 

enemy, and breasted the hurtling- storm of lead and 
flame and steel, to the awful tempest of death which 
rained in torrents of blood upon the quaking breast of 
Overton's Hill. 

The victory was complete, and in a few days the 
last hostile rebel was driven from the State. 

A short time since I received a very interesting 
letter from Mr. V. H. Harris, now of Litchfield, Minne- 
sota, but formerly a member of the One Hundred and 
Eleventh Ohio Volunteers. From this letter I o-ather 
the views of an enlisted man in regard to the battle of 
Nashville. He says, — 

" At the batde of Nashville the Army of the Ohio, 
commanded by General Schofield, had fought its way 
into position on the right, and lay on the morning of 
the 1 6th in line of battle facing to the east, at right 
angles with Smith's Sixteenth Corps, and parallel to 
the Granny White pike. From this position we were 
in full view of the Harpeth and Brentwood ranges 
of hills. We had prepared our frugal meal long be- 
fore the dawn of clay, and at sunrise could plainly 
see the rebels on the timber-covered slopes not far 
awa}^ We were cautioned to remain concealed as 
much as possible, and not to fire under any circum- 
stances. But our position was discovered, and a rebel 
battery opened upon us with shot and shell, which, 
passing over our line, caused a falling of trees and 
limbs almost as destructive as the iron missiles which 
wdiistled over us would have been, had they fallen and 
exploded in our ranks. When the whizzing sound of 
a shell was heard, the usual cry of ' Grab a root' ran 
through the line, the effect of which was to induce the 



294 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

braves to adopt the doctrine of 'squatter sovereignty' 
without question ; and as time wore on ekch warrior 
loved his country more in fact, for they hugged it, em- 
braced it, felt as if they wanted to get right down into 
it, at least far enoufjh to shelter them from the fire of 
the enemy. 

"About noon the firing of the cavalry on our right 
was music to our ears, for we knew enough of the 
country to know that our men were in possession of or 
very near to the pike on the south of the Brentwood 
hills. On the other side of the low ridge occupied by 
us was one still lower, upon which ran a slight eleva- 
tion of earth, which may have been at some time a 
hedo-e. It was hioh enough to hide the form of a man 
on a level plain, and we were told that we were to 
occupy it as our next posidon. At a given signal the 
entire line moved rapidly and occupied it without firing 
a shot. Here we were concealed from the view of the 
rebels. As soon as this movement was accomplished 
our old position was occupied by thirty pieces of artil- 
lery, which opened up a most terrific cannonade upon 
the rebel works, not over three hundred yards distant. 
The shot and shell from our own guns tore the tops 
and limbs from the huge oaks in our front and rear. 
One large limb fell on our company and spread its 
whole length, the heavy end striking James Bemis and 
knocking him senseless ; another came near killing 
James Carter, and the switch end struck me just below 
the cartridge-box, calling to mind my school-boy days. 
A charge of buckshot could not have pained me more 
than did the switching that limb gave me. The smoke 
of the cannon setded in the valley, completely envel- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 295 

oping us and concealing from our view both friends 
and foes.' And now the rattle of musketry, Hke an 
unceasing hail-storm, kept time with the deafening 
roar of artillery. The earth and the mighty oaks 
trembled and shook again with the echo that came 
back from Brentwood's quivering crest. The Con- 
federate works were levelled with solid shot, and their 
brave defenders lay crouched to earth. No rebel yell 
arose above the deafening din. The stars and bars 
were furled forever, and freedom's flag waved in 
triumph over the bloody field. 

" The pass through the Brentwood Range, through 
which the Granny White pike was made, was in plain 
view. No field of battle ever presented a landscape 
so plain, so beautiful as this. Our artillery had not 
only ruined the defences of the enemy, but had dashed 
the timbers to splinters on the sides of the hill beyond. 
Shot, shell, and minie-balls had driven the teamsters 
and skulkers in the rebel rear to wild desperation. 
There was no escape for them except by the pike, 
and now, in a moment's lull, there came a living stream 
from east and west, and, meeting on the pike, broke 
pell-mell for the Southern Confederacy. This host 
was governed by no order, but there in view of friend 
and foe they lashed their jaded steeds in a furious 
race through the Brentwood Pass. As soon as this 
movement was discovered our artillery opened upon 
the fugitives, and in their rapid flight they so closed 
up that it was simply impossible for them to move. 
Many abandoned their wagons, mules, and horses and 
fled for safety to the hills. Bull Run never presented 
such utter demoralization as was visible in the rebel 



296 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



rear. The victorious Federals required no order to 
advance. With a yell that seemed to shake the foun- 
dations of the everlasting hills, ten thousand men 
from older fields than this rushed forward in pursuit 
of a beaten enemy. The war in the West was ended. 
So sudden was the change in the form of government 
in the eyes of our late foes that they laughed and 
clapped their hands, more pleased than we were over 
the situation. I heard one lean, lank, cadaverous 
prisoner say, 'You licked us at Franklin because you 
had more to eat than we had. Can't you give me a 
cracker?' We divided our rations. Why, bless your 
soul, we would have given them the coats off our 
backs. No shout of victory was raised over a sur- 
rendered foe. And now came a small campaign not 
laid down in ' Pap' Thomas's original plan of battle. 
Several hundred yards in front of what had been the 
rebel rear lay immense quantities of broken and 
abandoned war material of Hood's almost * invincible 
legion,' for men were never braver than they. To 
get there was a duty fully recognized by every soldier. 
Thomas Barr, my chum and messmate, accompanied 
me. About one hundred yards from our line and on 
the left of the pike my eyes fell upon a picture — not 
painted — that I shall never forget. An old citizen 
appears to have entered the rebel lines for the purpose 
of selline milk. He was seated in an old-fashioned 
one-horse shay. The horse had been instantly killed 
by a cannon-ball. The old man was dead, and had 
fallen forward and hung over two large milk-cans, and 
in his hands he held the reins. I raised his face, but 
all was still. The milk was wasting through holes 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



297 



made by minie-balls and slowly dropping through the 
loose bottom of the vehicle. Barr laid his ofun down 
and seemed Indisposed to push his investigation any 
further, but soon realized the necessity of' prompt 
action, and onward we journeyed. We were not long 
in reaching the point for which we started. Here 
we had a fair view of the horrors of war. Dead men 
were strewn upon the ground on a common level with 
dead horses and mules. There we saw horses and 
mules uninjured, but held In place by a dead or badly- 
wounded mate, and I could read despair in the eyes 
of these poor, dumb brutes. A short distance off I 
saw three rebels workinof like demons removing 
broken wagons and obstructions towards the left, 
while up close to them and near the fence rode a gray- 
coat with two horses drawing off a beautiful piece of 
artillery. It occurred to me that this was a good op- 
portunity for me to earn my thirteen dollars a month, 
and I resolved then and there to capture that gun. I 
charged upon the lingering quartet and demanded 
their surrender in the usual pleasant army form. The 
three working heroes in front jumped over the fence 
and were soon out of sight. I rushed upon the man 
with the cannon and seized one of his horses by the 
rein and ordered him to dismount, which he declined 
to do, but proceeded to rap me over the head with 
the loose end of the reins, at the same time urging 
his team forward to break loose from a heavy wagon 
against which his wheel had caught. By this time Barr 
had arrived and stood near me, and I felt then ex- 
tremely bold. The man making no demonstration 
calculated to convince me that he intended to dis- 



298 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

mount, I determined to use the whole power vested In 
me by the Constitution of the United States ; accord- 
ingly I gave him a blow which sent him tumbling over 
between the horses. My gun not being loaded, he 
slipped out under the off-horse and started down the 
pike as fast as his feet could carry him. Neither Barr 
nor myself ever went on another side campaign with- 
out loading our guns. Back to camp we went with 
our captures, meeting on the way our colonel, Sher- 
wood, who thanked us for what we had done and 
promised that our prowess should be suitably an- 
nounced in orders ; but as we did not occupy the same 
camp two successive nights for five months, there was 
no time for making out congratulatory orders. This 
battle closed the rebellion in the Southwest. And 
now, dear, brave old Pap Thomas, thy fame and name 
are written in the hearts of thy countrymen. Thy 
mould in bronze and marble shall yet stand on Brent- 
wood's crest, and ages hence our people shall point in 
pride to you as the very embodiment of all that was 
good, pure, brave, noble, and patriotic." 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 299 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Condition of Things at Pulaski — Death of President Lincobi — 
Andrew Johnson's Loyalty — Judge-Advocate — Nashville at the 
Close of the War — Lawlessness — Hanging of Three Highwaymen 
for Murder — Cholera — General Thomas removes his Head- 
quarters to Louisville — Status of Class at the close of Thirty-six 
Years. 

General Wilson pushed on after the retreating 
enemy, while I was left at Pulaski to command the 
district known as Middle Tennessee. All was confu- 
sion. The people were idle; the schools and churches 
were closed. All branches of industry were suspended. 
All was doubt and uncertainty. We had the school- 
house repaired, seats provided, and secured the ser- 
vices of an experienced teacher, and invited parents 
to send their children to school. In a few days the 
school was full. Next, worth)^ parties were authorized 
to open stores for the sale of dry goods, groceries, and 
clothing. The churches were opened on the Sabbath, 
and were well attended. In this way, little by little, the 
old order of things was restored. A military commis- 
sion was Instituted for the trial of bushwhackers and 
guerrillas. All persons convicted were sentenced to 
hard work in the penitentiary. In this way evil-doing 
soon ceased and law and order were restored. 

On the 15th day of April, 1865, a despatch reached 
us announcing the assassination of President Lincoln. 
Of course the officers and soldiers were distressed 
beyond measure, for all had learned to love good 



300 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

Abraham Lincoln ; and his death seemed to distress 
the citizens, not so much that they cared for him, but 
they had an awful dread of falling into the hands of 
Andy Johnson, who up to that time had favored the 
hanging of all the prominent men engaged in the 
rebellion, to the end that "treason might be made 
odious." 

Johnson had risen to his prominence notwithstanding 
the opposition on the part of what he was pleased to call 
the aristocratic class. He hated aristocracy, and the aris- 
tocracy had an ineffable contempt for him; not that he 
was unworthy, but because he had risen from obscurity. 
The very thing for which he deserved the most credit — 
rising by individual effort, in the face of all opposition, 
from obscurity to a high place in the political world — 
was lost sight of. He was considered a plebeian, be- 
cause he could not boast of a long line of distinguished 
ancestry. Such a man, they said, when accidentally 
placed over us will rule as with a rod of iron. The 
effect upon the people was very perceptible. They 
were willing to accept any terms if their lives were 
spared. It was not long before it became evident that 
Johnson wanted to secure the good will of this aristo- 
cratic element. We soon ceased to hear about making 
" treason odious," and again the rebel element became 
defiant. These same men, who only a few weeks be- 
fore were the most quiet and docile of their race, 
became intolerant to their Union neighbors and perse- 
cuted them in every conceivable way. Instead of 
Union men takine the lead in reconstruction, these 
returned rebels claimed that right and maintained it. 
It is not my province to criticise Mr. Johnson's motives, 



IN PEA CE AND WAR. 



301 



but I can say that his elevation to the Presidency ma- 
terially retarded the reconstruction of the rebellious 
States. We have no means of knowino- what would 
have been the policy of Mr. Lincoln, but this much we 
can safely say, — that he would not have had a policy 
except one in accord with the views of Congress. 
Johnson was a stubborn man, and could not tolerate 
opposition even on the part of the Congress of the 
United States. It has been said that he designed at 
one time to recognize a Congress composed of 
Southern members, and thus defeat and set at naught 
all that had been achieved by the war. This I regard 
as the sheerest nonsense. Mr. Johnson was not an 
idiot, but knew full well that the American people 
would never sanction such a course on his part. In 
fact, had he attempted it he would have been disposed 
of in short order. This is simply my opinion, know- 
ing him as well as I did. It may be that there are 
papers in existence to prove what has been asserted ; 
but before I can believe Andrew Johnson to have been 
a traitor I shall have to see the evidence myself. 

While in Pulaski I had my office and sleeping apart- 
ments at the house of a Mr. Jones. When I first took 
possession of part of the house, with the consent of 
Mrs. Jones, her husband was in the South, a member of 
Congress, I believe. He returned while I was in his 
house, and I found him an agreeable gentleman. Jones 
was a lawyer of fine reputation before the war, and, 
while he lived in town for convenience, he had a large 
farm in the neighborhood. It is said that on one oc- 
casion his foreman or overseer came to him for some 
money with which to purchase provisions for his slaves. 



302 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

He o-ave him the amount asked for, and told hun to 
say to the negroes that If they did not work more and 
get along better he would stop practising laiv for 
them. On his return he found himself relieved of that 
burden. 

The headquarters of the district were transferred to 
Murfreesboro' by an order issued about July i, and 
I arrived at that place on July 3. Here I remained 
until some time in the fall, when I was relieved by 
Major-General William B. Hazen. About this time, 
General J. G. Parkhurst, who had been for some tinie 
on the staff of General Thomas as provost-marshal- 
general, was mustered out of the service, and I was 
detailed to relieve him. My predecessor had man- 
aged the department so well, and had reduced every- 
thing to such a perfect system, that I found little diffi- 
culty in my new position. In a short time the necessity 
for such an officer ceased, and General Thomas de- 
tailed me as judge-advocate-general of the military 
division commanded by him. On the 15th day of 
January, 1S66, in common with hundreds of other 
officers, I was mustered out of the volunteer service 
as brigadier-general, and fell back to my old position 
in the regular army, that of major of the Fourth Cav- 
alry. Being incapacitated for active operations in the 
field, I asked to be placed on the retired list. I was 
ordered before the Redring Board for examinadon, 
and was retired October 11, 1867. 

And thus the story of the war is briefly told, and we 
all know how, when peace had been conquered to the 
land again, and the authority of the government had 
forced itself to be recognized through all the broad 



IN PEA CE AND WAR. 303 

confines of the Republic, those massive armies re- 
solved themselves once more into their constituent 
parts, and, with the exception of such as had adopted 
the profession of arms as a lifetime avocation, the hun- 
dreds of thousands of soldiers laid aside their warlike 
guise and turned themselves naturally and zealously 
to the arts of peace. The necessity that had made 
them soldiers of the Republic having passed away, they 
turned with eagerness and earnestness to the homes 
that had sent them forth, and, with true American en- 
terprise and energy, entered into the thick avenues of 
trade and business. 

They presented to the world the lofty spectacle of 
soldiers becoming again civilians, and their history 
since that time conclusively shows that the stern pro- 
bation of war did not unfit them for the gentle and 
beneficent walks of peace. 

The arts of peace are better than the arts of war. 
But the arts of peace can only attain their noblest 
fruition in a land where the arts of war are widely un- 
derstood and comprehended. The one is the co- 
ordinate of the other. The one requires the moral 
and physical countenance of the other. A govern- 
ment with no high military traditions, no glorious 
legends, no lofty exemplars, no great national senti- 
ment, no warm pulse of national honor, is like a huge 
body without the vitalizing presence of a brave and 
contented soul, A nation whose loyal sons are her 
soldiers — a nation where the people themselves are 
the bulwarks of military strength — may bid defiance 
to the march of time and the revolutions of change. 
External assault and internal revolts are alike power- 



304 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



less to shake Its throne in the affections of its citizens. 
Enemies without and enemies within can never shatter 
it. Foreign war may exhaust its powers, and domestic 
treason may expend all the rebellious efforts of its 
hate upon that nation, and it will live and strengthen 
and succeed in spite of them all. That outburst of 
popular affection, that exhibition of patriotic resolu- 
tion, that simple, patient, unfaltering adherence to 
principle and to purpose which vindicated the authority 
and assured the existence of the American Republic 
through the crimson years of the late rebellion is the 
surest pledge of American perpetuity. 

Our dead have not all died in vain. Our living 
have not battled and suffered all for nauQ-ht. 

About the close of the war Nashville was about as 
disorderly a place as I ever resided in. It was abso- 
lutely unsafe to be on the streets after dark. Murders 
and thefts were committed with impunity, and the per- 
petrators generally escaped. A gentleman by the 
name of Heffernan, in company with his family, went 
out one evening to attend some school celebration, 
and on his return his carriage was stopped by four 
highwaymen. Drawing his pistol, he fired and 
wounded one severely, but not until he had received 
a fatal shot, from which he died the next day. The 
wounded highwayman could not make his escape, and 
was arrested. He gave the names of those associated 
with him, and they, too, were apprehended. General 
W. D. Whipple, in the absence of General Thomas, 
ordered a military commission for their trial. I was 
president. Colonel R. E. A. Crofton was a member, 
and Colonel Blackman judge-advocate. The facts 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



505 



were all proven, and the prisoners were sentenced to 
death by hanging, and the sentence was duly carried 
into effect. From that time onward lawlessness 
ceased. 

From being a most lawless, disorderly city, Nash- 
ville became noted as being an orderly, law-abiding 
city. Citizens went about, day and night, with impu- 
nity, in perfect confidence that they would not be 
robbed or murdered. 

In the summer of 1866, the cholera, in a most viru- 
lent form, visited the city. All who could get away 
fled to the Cumberland Mountains or elsewhere, but 
many had to remain. It was estimated at the time 
that the number of whites in the city did not exceed 
sixteen thousand. The greatest mortality any one 
day was one hundred and fifty. In many cases men 
in perfect health in the morning were dead and buried 
before sundown. The city had a large force engaged 
diofSfinpf eraves. A colored man due one in the fore- 
noon, and was buried in it himself about sundown of 
the same day. My wife and children were with me. 
I tried to prevail upon them to flee, but they would 
not go without me, and I could not go had I desired 
to do so. Fortunately, all escaped. When cholera is 
epidemic, the dangers and anxieties one experiences 
are greater than those incident to the battle-field. 
After the fearful disease abated. General Thomas re- 
moved his headquarters to Louisville. 

Thirty-six years have elapsed since my class sepa- 
rated on the plain at West Point. Some of them I 
have never met. Nine only remain on the active list, 
four have been retired, eleven have resigned, and 



3o6 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

nineteen have passed through the "dim waters of 
death." 

How short is the time separating mature manhood 
from old age ! It seems but yesterday that we re- 
ceived our diplomas, yet we have all passed the me- 
ridian mile-post, and are wending our way down the 
western slope of our lives, guided by the flickering, 
uncertain light of our setting sun. 

We are nearing the beach of that mighty ocean 
which rolls between Time and Eternity, and can almost 
hear the buffetings of the waves as they beat and 
break on the opposite shore. In a few years, at most, 
we shall join those who have gone before, and the 
class of 1S49 will live only by the history it has made. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



6^1 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Recollections of Grant, Sherman, Thomas, Terry, Stanley, Mc- 
Cook, Carlin, Palmer, Baird, Howard, Jeff. C. Davis, Logan, 
Hazen, Gibson, Rousseau, Berry, T. L. Crittenden, John M. 
Harlan, James B. Steedman. 

During the war I was thrown with many officers 
whose names shine on the pages of our national his- 
tory. Some of these are well known, and about whom 
It is hardly necessary for me to give my impressions 
at any great length. General Grant and General 
Sherman, two of the most eminent men produced by 
the civil contest, and who were friends in war and in 
peace, were as unlike as day and night. Grant had 
no nerves, while Sherman was made up of nerves. 
Grant never gave himself any concern in regard to an 
enemy he could not see, while a concealed foe was 
more dreadful to Sherman than one in full view. 
Grant's strategy consisted in getting as near an 
enemy as possible, and then " moving on his works 
without delay." Sherman was more of a strategist, 
and believed in surprising his enemy by a masterly 
move by which he would attack him on the flank or in 
the rear. Grant reached Richmond by more fighting 
than strategy. Sherman reached Atlanta by more 
strategy than fighting, yet he gave us as much of the 
latter as we had any desire for. Grant was a blazing 
comet, Sherman a brilliant meteor. It has always 
been a wonder to me how two men so unlike in their 



-oS A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

o 

general make-up could be such fast friends, yet there 
never was anv disaofreement between them of which 
the world knew anything. It was said that while Grant 
was President an attempt was made to get Sherman 
to antagonize some of his reconstruction ideas. "No," 
replied Sherman ; " Grant stood by me when I was 
crazy, and I stood by him when he was drunk, and 
now we stand by each other." 

Each gave to the other the credit for the success 
which had fallen to him, and in this way "honors were 
even," and a warm personal friendship was maintained 
between them. To Sheridan I have referred else- 
where. 

MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE H. THOMAS 

was the old, reliable wheel-horse of the army. He 
was slow but sure. He never made a mistake and 
never lost a battle. When I first became acquainted 
with him he was a major in the regiment in which I 
was a captain. For thirteen years we were together, 
and I was as intimate with him as any one not of his 
own family. A truer or braver man never lived. 
Naturally reticent and of a stern exterior, there 
throbbed in his manly bosom a heart as soft and ten- 
der as ever beat within the breast of man. He was 
just and generous to all under his command, and if he 
ever wronged any one it was under a misapprehension 
of the facts in the case. 

Sherman's march to the sea reflected great credit 
upon its originator because of Thomas's grand battle 
at Nashville. Had he been defeated, and had Hood 
reached the Ohio River simultaneously with Sherman's 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 309 

reaching the ocean, the country would hardly have 
been satisfied with the exchange, and it is possible 
that the " march to the sea" would not have been 
rendered immortal in prose and verse. It is probable, 
however, that Sherman knew just what Thomas could, 
and would, do, and it may have been that he left him 
behind for that very purpose. 

GENERAL DAVID S. STANLEY. 

Few officers did more faithful service than General 
Stanley. When he commanded cavalry he was the 
eyes of the army and was ever on the alert. When 
in command of infantry he was always in the fore-front 
of battle, and no troops did more effective service 
than those under his leadership. At Franklin he was 
the hero of the occasion, and had it not been for his 
promptness and daring it is more than probable that 
our army would have been defeated. But fortunately 
he was on the ground when a portion of our army 
was driven back. Placing himself at the head of a 
brigade, he charged, drove the enemy back, and re- 
established our line. 

GENERAL A. McD. McCOOK. 

He belonged to the celebrated fighting family of 
that name, and on many hard-fought fields he showed 
himself worthy of his name. Wherever fighting was 
hardest there was he to be found. His keen eye 
enabled him to detect weak points in his line, and his 
quick mind always suggested a remedy in time to 
avert disaster. At Stone River his command was 
attacked by the entire army of the enemy, excepting 



3IO A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

Breckenrldofe's division. At midnio-ht before die 
batrie he knew die position of the enemy's hne of 
battle and so reported to General Rosecrans, who was 
so intent upon carrying out his original order that 
he did not change his plan, and the result of this was 
to leave McCook's corps to fight all of the army of 
the enemy excepting one division. The final issue of 
such an unequal contest could be readily divined. 
But through all, and over all, McCook bore himself 
gallantly and did good service, and deserves well of 
his country. 

GENERAL WILLIAM P. CARLIN. 

This officer I have known for more than forty years, 
during which time he rose by his own gallantry from a 
second lieutenant to brevet major-general. For some 
time he was under my command, and I had ample op- 
portunity of witnessing his soldierly qualities in the dis- 
cipline he enforced and the results achieved in battle, 
where he was a terror to his foe, without fear, and 
always at the post of danger. In social life, sur- 
rounded by his friends, he is as modest and as dif- 
fident as a woman. 

GENERAL JOHN M. PALMER, 

a lawyer by profession, entered the volunteer service 
as a colonel of an Illinois regiment. By his bravery 
and devotion to duty he rose to the rank of brigadier- 
general, and was subsequently promoted to the grade 
of major-general for gallantry on the field of battle. 
At the request of General Thomas he was assigned 
to the command of the Fourteenth army corps, and 



IN PEA CE AND WAR. 3 1 i 

became my corps commander. In the exercise of this 
command he proved himself eminently fitted and 
qualified for it, and demonstrated to General Thomas 
that he had not made an improper estimate of him as 
a soldier and as a commander. After the war he was 
elected governor of his State. He resides in Spring- 
field, Illinois, where he is engaged in the practice of 
law. It would not surprise me if the next National 
Democratic Convention should call upon him to step 
up higher. Should he ever occupy the presidential 
chair, an honest, incorruptible man will preside over 
our destinies so Ions: as he holds the reins of govern- 
ment in his hands. 



GENERAL ABSOLEM BAIRD 

was a classmate of mine, and hence I know him 
well. He commanded a division In the same corps 
with me, and did effective service whenever and 
wherever he was called into action. He was a fine 
disciplinarian, and his command was well drilled and 
ever ready for service. Always cool and collected, 
he never lost control of himself In the heat of battle, 
but was at all times in the front personally directing 
the movements of his command. After a battle his 
first thought was for the wounded, and he gave him- 
self no rest until he was satisfied that they were 
receiving the attention they deserved. Such a com- 
mander endears himself to his men, and hence It Is 
not dif^cult to account for his popularity in the army, 
and particularly with those under his command. 



-I 2 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

o 

GENERAL O. O. HOWARD 

was the Havelock of the American army. He 
carried his rehgion with him on the march, in battle, 
or in camp, and yet he never allowed his Christian 
duties to interfere with the duties he owed the army 
he commanded. If his military duties required his 
services during the day, at night, in his tent, he was 
a true Christian soldier. He always handled his men 
with consummate skill, and his personal gallantry was 
always conspicuous. 

I remember at Big Shanty, when, owing to the heavy 
rains, it was impossible to move a gun-carriage off a 
well-beaten road, Sherman turned to Howard and 
said, " Howard, is not this enough to try your Chris- 
tian patience ?" " No," replied Howard ; " not in the 
least; our cause is just and we must triumph, regardless 
of the kind of weather God gives us." Sherman 
remarked, " I guess you are right, Howard, but I wish 
God would give us clear weather until we finish this 
picnic, after which I shall be content to take just such 
weather as He may desire to give us." Howard was 
a great favorite with General Sherman, for he knew 
that he could rely upon him in every emergency. 
He has been appointed major-general vice Pope 
retired. 

GENERAL ALFRED H. TERRY. 

My acquaintance with this officer was formed after 
the war, as he served in a different army. He was 
educated at Yale College, and subsequently studied 
law and was admitted to the bar in 1848. In 1861 he 
led the Second Regiment Connecticut Volunteers in 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 313 

the first Bull Run, and after the Federal army- 
was defeated he brought up the rear In the retreat 
and saved large quantities of government prop- 
erty, which had been abandoned by the fleeino- 
army. Subsequently he organized the Seventh Con- 
necticut Regiment, which was attached to the expedi- 
tion under General T. W. Sherman. At the head of 
the first division of the Twenty-fourth Corps, aided 
by the fleet of Commodore Porter, he carried Fort 
Fisher by assault, thus ending Confederate supremacy 
on the Cape Fear River. He was promoted to the rank 
of major-general of volunteers and brigadier-general 
United States army on the 15th day of January, 1865. 
During the period of reconstruction his knowledge 
of the law was of great service to him. Probably the 
first Southern State to be thoroughly reconstructed 
was Georgia, and this was due to the policy pursued 
by him. Every one in Atlanta, at which point he had 
his headquarters, speaks in the highest terms of him 
as a soldier and gentleman. While he carried out 
his views strictly, yet he did so considerately and 
so as to gain the good will of those over whom he 
ruled. 

For some time he was in command of the De- 
partment of Dakota, where he had the respect and 
confidence of the army and the people. General 
Sherman, In speaking of him, says, "Terry is the very 
soul of honor," and all with whom he has had business 
or official Intercourse will aofree with Sherman. No 
officer of the army has a more brilliant record, and 
no officer of the army did more hard fighting during 
the war, nor more faithful service since its close. He 



14 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



is a tall, fine-looking gentleman, and would be readily 
selected out of a crowd as a distinguished man, and a 
brave and daring soldier. He was appointed major- 
general United States army to fill the vacancy occa- 
sioned by the death of Major-General W, S. Hancock. 
He now commands the Military Division of the Mis- 
souri, with headquarters at Chicago, Illinois. 

GENERAL JEFFERSON C. DAVIS 

was *one of the officers in Fort Sumter at the time 

it was bombarded, and was soon thereafter appointed 

a brigadier-general in the volunteer service. He was 

a genial, clever fellow, a good soldier, and made a fine 

record for himself during the war, but I believe the 

unfortunate affair in which he shot and killed General 

William Nelson, cast a gloom over him which he was 

never able to throw off. On the " March to the Sea" 

he commanded the Fourteenth Corps, and was highly 

commended by General Sherman for the able and 

gallant manner in which he, at all times, handled his 

troops. 

GENERAL JOHN A. LOGAN 

was an able corps commander, and after the death 
of McPherson, on July 22, 1864, was the senior officer 
with the Army of the Tennessee. He assumed com- 
mand, and under his guidance and direction this com- 
mand fought one of the most desperate battles of the 
war. The Army of the Tennessee was unanimous 
in desiring Logan's permanent assignment to this 
command, but for some reason unknown, General 
Sherman designated Howard for that position. This 
created a good deal of dissatisfaction, not so much 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 315 

with Logan as with those under him, for he was too 
good a soldier to object to serving in any capacity to 
which he was assigned. However, all soon became 
reconciled to the change, and Logan continued to com- 
mand his corps as he had previously done, satisfac- 
torily to his superiors, and profitably to the cause 
which was uppermost in every patriot's heart. 

GENERAL WILLIAM B. HAZEN 

was in the regular army at the breaking out of the 
war. I had known him in Texas, where he was recos- 
nized as a successful Indian fighter, having had several 
severe combats with them. In one of these he was 
severely wounded, and commended for his gallantry 
in general orders. He entered the volunteer service 
as colonel of an Ohio regiment, and rose to the rank 
of major-general. He was a gallant soldier, a good 
disciplinarian, and thoroughly conversant with his du- 
ties. He made a good record, and at the close of the 
war was appointed colonel of one of the new regi- 
ments, and subsequently appointed chief signal officer 
of the army, with the rank of brigadier-general, a po- 
sition which he now holds. 

There has been some controversy in regard to the 
failure of the first expedition sent out for the relief of 
the Greely Arctic expedition. According to my un- 
derstanding of the case. Lieutenant E. A. Garlington, 
a young, energetic officer of the Seventh Cavalry, was 
despatched with supplies for Greely's party. His ex- 
pedition proved a failure; not, however, because of 
any neglect on his part, or from any cause that he 
could foresee. On his return he was anxious to be 



316 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



fitted out at once and permitted to make a second 
effort. Hazen approved of it, but no relief expedition 
was sent out until the following spring. If these are 
the facts, and such I understand them to be, I am 
clearly of the opinion that so far Hazen was right and 
should not be held responsible for the loss of valuable 
lives which would have been, in all probability, saved 
had Lieutenant Garlington been permitted to return 
and make another effort to reach the exploring party. 
That any of Lieutenant Greely's party was rescued, 
alive, is almost a miracle. It is pretty clear that all 
would have perished within a few days had not relief 
reached them. For this some one was to blame, but 
in all fairness I cannot see that any blame should at- 
tach to General Hazen, who, from the first return of 
Lieutenant Garlino-ton, was anxious to make a second 
trial. Knowing the reputation of Lieutenant Garling- 
ton for activity and enterprise, and with his acquired 
experience in the Arctic seas, I believe that he would 
have succeeded in reaching Lieutenant Greely before 
the setting- in of winter, and thus saved the lives of 
many of the daring adventurers. 

GENERAL W. H. GIBSOxN 

entered the service as colonel of the Forty-ninth 
Ohio, and was attached to the first brigade which I 
commanded. A fine soldier, a clever gentleman, and 
one of the best stump speakers I ever heard. If any 
dissatisfaction outcropped in his regiment, he would 
usually mount a barrel or stump, and with a ready 
flow of wit, clothed in the most beautiful language and 
expressed only as an orator could give it utterance, he 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



M 



would soon have the men in a good humor, and all 
satisfied. After the battle of Stone River we were 
for a few days without rations. Some of his men 
complained to him. He proposed to accompany 
them to my headquarters and ask me to share my 
stores with his famished men, knowing that I fared 
just as they did. When he and those with him reached 
my camp-fire they found me parching corn, and thus 
preparing my daily food. As soon as the men saw 
that they fared no worse than their division com- 
mander, they became satisfied, and no further com- 
plaint was heard. 

Gibson was a brave soldier, a valuable officer, and a 
gentleman in every sense of the term. 

GENERAL LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU. 

No man in Kentucky did more for the Union cause 
than Rousseau. He was for the Union first, last, and 
all the time. He was the first to organize troops for 
the Federal service. For a lonof time his resfiment 
was known as the Louisville Legion, and no troops 
did more service than those organized by him in the 
early days of the war. He was a brave, adventurous 
man, always ready to embark in any enterprise which 
suggested hardship and danger. At one time, on the 
Atlanta campaign, he said to me, " I do wish this cruel 
war was over." I asked him why he desired it brought 
to an end, and he replied, "I am afraid I shall be killed." 
I said to him, " General, God has covered your head 
in the day of battle and preserved you thus far ; can 
you not trust Him longer?" "Yes," said Rousseau,, 
"that may be all true, but I do not wish to impose 



3i8 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

upon Him too long. He might get tired of looking 
after me." 

After the war he was elected to Congress, and, while 
a member, engaged in an altercation with a fellow- 
member by the name of Grinnell. For this he was 
called before the bar of the House and reprimanded. 
Smarting under the humiliation, he resigned and re- 
turned to his people, and asked for a unanimous 
re-election. In the mean time the return of the Con- 
federates had changed the political complexion of his 
district, and threats were made that an opponent 
would be named against him. It was in this per- 
plexed state of mind that I met him, and he said, 
"Johnson, have you ever had anything to do with 
politics ?" I replied, " No ; never voted in my life." 
" Well," said he, " never touch him ; he is an infernal 
scoundrel." From Congress he passed to the grade 
of brigadier-general United States army, but soon 
thereafter died while in command of the Department 
of Louisiana. 

COLONEL WILLIAM W. BERRY 

entered the service with the Louisville Legion, of 
which he subsequently became the colonel. His loy- 
alty to the cause dated from the firing on Fort Sumter, 
and continued as long as there was an armed rebel 
on the soil of our country. He was a splendid sol- 
dier, and was ably assisted by his officers, all of whom 
knew what it cost to be loyal. His men were thor- 
oughly disciplined, and better or more determined 
•fighters could not be found in our army. Berry, who 
always led his regiment, was wounded several times. 



IN PEACE AND WAR, 



319 



I have always been at a loss to know why he was not 
appointed a general officer, for, although a colonel, he 
generally had the command of a brigade, and always 
handled it with marked skill and ability. 

GENERAL THOMAS L. CRITTENDEN 

was one of Kentucky's favorite sons. Following his 
distinguished father, he early proclaimed in favor of 
the war for the suppression of the rebellion, let it cost 
what it miofht. His influence did much to restrain the 
hot-headed secessionists of his native State ; and while 
he talked neutrality to them, he was engaged in get- 
ting the Union men armed so that they could protect 
themselves until assistance could be furnished by the 
United States. Sitting in the Gait House on a certain 
occasion conversinp; with the father of General Grit- 
tenden, I remarked that I could not see why any one 
could for one moment believe that a State could be 
neutral under such circumstances. He replied, in an 
undertone, " Of course it is absurd, but it will do to 
occupy the people until we can get ready to assert 
and maintain our authority." This remark let a flood 
of light in upon me. From that time forth I under- 
stood what neutrality signified when used by a loyal 
man. General Crittenden was soon assigned to the 
command of a division, and on the reorganization of 
the army under Buell he became commander of the 
left wing of the Fourteenth Army Corps, which was 
subsequently designated as the Twenty-first Army 
Corps. His gallantry was conspicuous in every en- 
gagement. A more earnest, attentive, and faithful 
corps commander was not to be found in our army. 



320 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



and a braver man never drew a sword. His brilliant 
feat at Stone River was of itself sufficient to immor- 
talize his name. 

GENERAL JOHN M. HARLAN 

• 

I first met as the enterprising captain of one of the 
home guards at Lebanon Junction. Soon after this 
he raised a regiment and became one of our most 
distinguished officers. His name, too, was a potent 
factor in Kentucky politics, and had great weight in 
determining many men for the Union in opposition to 
the turbulent faction which seemed determined on 
forcing the State into a position of antagonism to the 
general government. General Harlan is now one of 
the justices of the Supreme Court, and one of the 
most laborious and painstaking members of that au- 
oust tribunal. 

GENERAL JAMES B. STEEDMAN 

was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, 
July 30, 1818. He removed to Ohio in 1837, where 
he was eno-agfed in the construction of the Wabash 
and Erie Canal. In 1843 he was elected to the leg- 
islature, and became distinguished as a clear, sound 
thinker and an able speaker. In 1849 he went to 
California as a gold hunter, but returned in 1850. 
In 1 861 he organized the Fourth Ohio Volunteers, of 
which he was appointed colonel, and served in West- 
ern Virginia, being engaged in the battle of Philippi. 
Soon after this he was ordered to report to General 
Buell, in Kentucky. On the 17th July, 1862, he was 
appointed brigadier-general. He participated in the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 321 

battles of Perryville and Chickamauga, in both of 
which his gallantry was conspicuous, and for his 
valuable services in the latter was promoted to the 
rank of major-general. General Steedman was a 
conspicuous figure in the Atlanta campaign. When 
Sherman marched to the sea he joined General 
Thomas, and was greatly distinguished in the battle 
of Nashville, having command of the left of the Fed- 
eral army. His bravery and his ability brought him 
to the notice of General Thomas, who never let an 
opportunity pass to speak of him in the highest terms 
of praise. The war of the rebellion developed no one 
superior to him in true courage, and few equal to him 
in all that went to make up the thorough soldier and 
gentleman. He died a short time since in Toledo, 
Ohio, regretted by all classes of people. His ear was 
ever open to the cry of the destitute, and no one ever 
appealed to hini for aid and went away empty-handed. 
He was indeed an honor to his country. 

I would like to refer to many of the subordinate 
officers who served with me, but cannot do so at this 
time. I remember them all as eood officers and 
worthy men, who reflected credit upon the States 
which sent them forth. I cannot recall a single excep- 
tion, and with each and all my official and personal 
intercourse was of the most pleasant character. Their 
gallant and faithful services, their cheerful obedience, 
willing co-operation, and bravery on the battle-field 
will ever be among my dearest memories. 



322 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Abraham Lincoln — His Assassination — Fate of the Assassins — 
Other Conspirators — The Course of England — Mason and Sli- 
dell — Earl Russell, etc. 

During the war I met President Lincoln several 
times, and on every occasion he seemed to be in good 
spirits and ready for a joke. That he could be, appa- 
rently, so light-hearted all the time surprised me, for 
the weight of the great responsibilities resting upon 
him would have crushed any ordinary man. With the 
cares of office upon him he was stricken down with 
varioloid. On one occasion, when visited by his phy- 
sician, he said, " Doctor, tell any office-seekers you see 
to come on, for I have something to give to each one." 

While he was ever ready with a witty story, the 
weighty affairs of his office were never neglected. In 
fact, he was the leading spirit of his administration, and 
gave his attention not only to civil matters, but also to 
those relating to the most unimportant military opera- 
tions. In conversation with him during the first year 
of the war, he remarked, " What we really need is a 
military railroad from Louisville, Kentucky, through 
Cumberland Gap to Knoxville, Tennessee. When- 
ever we reach that point we will be between the enemy 
and his hog and hominy, and under such circumstances 
he will have to give up the contest." 

The road was not constructed, but it is a fact that 
when Knoxville fell into our possession the " bottom 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



323 



dropped out" of the Confederacy. Mr. Lincoln was 
a statesman and a soldier ; a great and a good man, 
who waged war only because it was the surest way 
to a lasting peace. 

I now desire to refer to the conspiracy which culmi- 
nated in his assassination. 

The rebellion, in aid of which this conspiracy was 
formed, was itself nothing less than a criminal con- 
spiracy, the like of which was unknown before. And 
if all that was agreed upon, and attempted, by the con- 
spirators had been accomplished, the combination of 
atrocities would have been without a parallel in the 
annals of history. In order to understand more fully 
the animus of those who planned, and attempted to ex- 
ecute, the deep-laid scheme of murder, desolation, and 
ruin that would result therefrom, I invite attention to 
the laws then in force, to show how narrowly we es- 
caped the destruction which was planned by our would- 
be destroyers. 

The Constitution of the United States provides, in 
case of the death, resignation, or inability of the Presi- 
dent to discharge the duties of President, the office de- 
volves on the Vice-President, and that Congress shall 
declare what officer shall be President until the disabili- 
ties are removed or President elected. Under the 
laws in force at that time, " in case of the removal, 
death, resignation, or inability of both the President 
and Vice-President, the President of the Senate, or if 
none, the Speaker of the House to act until the disa- 
bility is removed or President elected." When the 
offices of President and Vice-President both became 
vacant, the Secretary of State was to notify the Gov- 



324 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



ernors of the several States, and an election was then 
to be held for President and Vice-President to fill the 
unexpired term of those two officers. 

President Lincoln had been inaugurated for his 
second term on the 4th day of March, 1865, and was 
assassinated on the night of the 14th day of April fol- 
lowing. The usual executive session of the Senate, 
called on such occasions, after transacting such busi- 
ness as came before it, and electing a President /r^ 
tempore of the Senate, adjourned about the ist day of 
April. 

The two Houses of Congress having adjourned sine 
die on the 3d day of March of that year, there was, 
consequently, no Speaker of the House at that time. 
It will thus be seen that if there were neither Presi- 
dent, Vice-President, nor Speaker of the House in ex- 
istence, there was no one to hold the office of Presi- 
dent until an election could be had as contemplated 
under the provisions of the Constitution and laws then 
in force. And, still worse, if the office of Secretary of 
State was vacant, there was no other officer who could 
give the requisite notice of another or new election for 
President and Vice-President. So it will be seen that 
if the conspirators had accomplished their purpose, 
and had murdered the President, Vice-President, and 
Secretary of State, the work of destroying the govern- 
ment would have been complete. The interregnum 
would have continued until the time of holdino- the next 
regular election came around for electing those officers. 

The anarchy, bloodshed, and destruction that would 
have followed in the train of such a dire calamity can 
scarcely be imagined, much less described or realized. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



325 



The testimony elicited on the trial of the conspira- 
tors made it appear beyond a reasonable doubt that 
John Wilkes Booth, John H, Surratt, Harold, Atzerodt, 
Payne, O'Laughlin, Spangler, Arnold, Mary E. Surratt, 
and Samuel A Mudd, in aid of the rebellion, and in 
combination and confederation with Jeff. Davis, George 
N. Sanders, B. Tucker, Jacob Thompson, W. C. Cleary, 
C. C. Clay, Harper, Young, and others unknown, in- 
tended to murder President Lincoln, Vice-President 
Johnson, Secretary of State Seward, and Lieutenant- 
General Grant, then in command of the armies of the 
United States; and Jeff Davis was the instigator and 
procurer, through accredited agents in Canada, Great 
Britain, and elsewhere, of this treasonable conspiracy. 
It is not intended by this statement to limit the number 
of those aidinsf and assistinof in this infamous crime to 
the names above o-iven. The euilt reaches far higher 
than the ignorant, infatuated individuals whose lives 
paid the penalty for crimes invoked and set on foot by 
wiser heads and more honorable names than theirs. 

It may be of interest to the readers of this volume 
to recall the part acted and taken by each of the 
foregoing persons in the murderous conspiracy in 
which they were engaged, 

J. Wilkes Booth was perhaps the most conspicuous 
and intelligent of those immediately connected with 
the plot in Washington City. He was the central 
figure of the group, and the accredited leader of the 
others around about him, and to whom attaches the 
unenviable infamy of firing the fatal shot that ended 
the life of one of the most gifted and pure of Ameri- 
can statesmen. 



326 A SOLDIER'S REAIINISCENCES 

This occurred late at night in Ford's Theatre in 
Washington City. 

Almost instantly after the commission of the deed, 
Booth made his escape from the city, in company with 
his co-conspirator Harold, and was afterwards cap- 
tured and killed in a barn on the farm of Mr. Garrett, 
in Caroline County, Virginia, only a few days after the 
assassination. 

David E. Harold, who was captured in company 
with Booth, was then about twenty-three years old. 
It was said by those well acquainted with him that he 
was a light, trifling young man, easily persuaded and 
led more than is usually the case with young men of 
his age. He was tried and convicted, with others, be- 
fore a military commission, and executed under mili- 
tary orders. 

Lewis Payne, another of the conspirators, went to 
the house of Secretary Seward, on the night of the 
14th day of April, with a little package in his hand, 
and said it was medicine for Mr. Seward from Dr. 
Verdi, and he was sent by the doctor to direct Mr. 
Seward how to take it. When told that he could not 
see Mr. Seward, he commenced an attack upon Major 
Seward and wounded him very seriously, and then 
rushed into the room where Secretary Seward was in 
bed, cutting and stabbing him in several places, in- 
flicting ghastly and dangerous wounds. This man 
was captured in a short time after he left Mr. Sew- 
ard's house, and was one of those convicted before the 
military commission, and executed, with others, on 
July 7, 1865. 

The plea of insanity was set up in his behalf, but it 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



327 



was unavailing as a defence, and he was convicted 
notwithstanding. 

Michael O'Laughlin was a school-mate of J. Wilkes 
Booth, and his mother was the tenant of Mrs. Booth, 
the mother of J. Wilkes Booth, and the families were 
quite intimate. He was proven to be in frequent pri- 
vate conferences with Booth and Arnold ; had been in 
the Southern army, and had received a telegram from 
Booth which implicated him as one of the conspirators, 
and as he was seen at, and about, the residence of Sec- 
retary Stanton, it was believed that he was the one 
selected to make way with, or murder, the Secretary 
of War. He was convicted before the commission 
and sentenced to confinement for life at the Dry 
Tortuofas. 

Georee A. Atzerodt was the individual to whom was 
assigned the work of killing Vice-President Johnson, 
at the Kirkwood House, in Washington. 

Atzerodt took a room at this house on the mornino- 
of the 14th of April, and late that evening was making 
inquiries for the Vice-President, and would have, with- 
out doubt, accomplished his fell purpose; but the Vice- 
President was either in company with others during 
the evening, or absent from his hotel, so that an oppor- 
tunity to kill him did not offer until after Booth had 
killed the President, and the whole city was aroused 
with excitement and alarm. 

Atzerodt then sneaked out of the city, and tried to 
make his escape, but was soon captured, tried, con- 
demned, and executed. The evidences of his com- 
plicity in the assassination plot are so overwhelming as 
to leave no room to doubt the justness of his sentence. 



J 



2 8 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



Samuel Arnold was a resident of Maryland ; had 
been in die rebel army up to a short time before the 
assassination. He was arrested because of letters and 
other evidences of his guilt found in the trunk of J. 
Wilkes Booth. He was convicted partly on his own 
statement of a guilty knowledge of the conspiracy, in 
which he was to take part, but claimed to have aban- 
doned any active participation in it. He was at For- 
tress Monroe when arrested. The sentence in his case 
was life confinement at the Dry Tortugas. 

Mrs. Mary E. Surratt was the mother of John H. 
Surratt, and her house seems to have been the rendez- 
vous of all the conspirators in and about Washington. 
She and her son John H. were actively and zealously 
engaged in all of the schemes and plots that preceded 
and attended the final consummation of the fatal 
drama. These operations extended from Richmond 
through Washington and Baltimore to Canada, and 
embraced an extensive correspondence and associa- 
tions with Confederate officials and their confreres in 
Canada, and extended through several months of the 
winter and spring of 1865. In Mrs. Surratt's house 
after the assassination were found cartes de visile of 
Jefferson Davis, Beauregard, Stephens, etc., and be- 
hind a picture-frame a photograph of J. Wilkes Booth. 

Mrs. Surratt was executed under the sentence of 
the military commission before mentioned. Whilst 
none can claim that she was guiltless, it is much to be 
regretted that she was made to suffer this severe pen- 
alty, whilst those who instigated these horrible crimes 
were permitted to go unpunished. 

John H. Surratt, after the murder of President Lin- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 329 

coin, made his way to Canada, and thereby made 
his escape, but was subsequently captured in Italy and 
returned to the United States. 

Edward Spangler was an employe at Ford's theatre, 
and was present at the time the President was shot. 
He was convicted upon the testimony of witnesses, 
by whom it was proven that he held the horse on 
which Booth made his escape, and aided him in his 
flight and tried to prevent his capture. 

He was a man of little intelligence or learning, and 
was sentenced to the Dry Tortugas. 

Dr. Samuel A. Mudd was arraigned and tried with 
the others and sentenced to the Dry Tortugas. The 
principal testimony against him was that connecting 
him with harboring and concealing Booth after the 
assassination. He was, if guilty of anything, merely 
an accessory after the fact. 

I have attempted to briefly outline the acts and 
deeds of the sub-ao^ents — the minor tools eneaeed 
in this unholy conspiracy — and the fearfully ignomin- 
ious end to which they were brought therefor. This, 
however, leaves the sickening story less than half 
told. We must look elsewhere to find veneeful 
malice that instig^ated the scheme, and the euidino- 
heads and hands that gave it life and power. When 
it is remembered that these ignorant, misguided, and 
infatuated people were but the dupes of the monster 
conspirators behind the scenes, we are led rather to 
pity than condemn them. This thought, however, only 
heightens and intensifies the guilt of the men who 
incited and urged them on in their bloody task. A 
brief review of other diabolical schemes and plots of 



330 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

kindred character, concocted and attempted by officers 
and agents of the Southern Confederacy prior to this 
time, leaves no room to doubt their readiness to com- 
mit any crime, however mahgnant, in order to accom- 
pHsh their unhallowed purpose. Notably among them 
may be classed the introduction of pestilence into the 
States by infected clothing, poisoning of the Croton 
reservoir near New York, the St. Albans raid, rebel 
commissions for raiders, Knights of the Golden Circle, 
the plot to destroy vessels on many streams and 
buildings in divers places. City Point explosions, plot 
to burn New York City, starvation of prisoners in 
Southern prisons, mining of Libby prison by torpedoes, 
all endorsed and acquiesced in by Jefferson Davis, 
and in most instances known to and approved by the 
rebel chiefs and leaders, Jacob Thompson, Sanders, 
Clay, Cleary, Tucker, Holcombe, etc., all accredited 
agents of the rebel government, congregated in Canada, 
and in daily communication with their co-conspirators 
in Richmond. 

That President Davis was in complicity with these, 
connected with, or assisting in one way or another in 
these plots and conspiracies, can scarcely be doubted. 
When advised of Mr. Lincoln's assassination he is re- 
ported as saying, " If it were to be done at all, it were 
better it were well done ; and if the same had been 
done to Andy Johnson, the beast, and to Secretary 
Stanton, the job would then be complete." 

Mr. Jacob Thompson kept a bank account, in the 
Ontario Bank, as financial agent of the Confederate 
States, of six hundred and forty-nine thousand dol- 
lars. A draft from this fund was found on the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 331 

body of J. Wilkes Booth after he was killed, in April, 
1865. 

It is by no means the purpose of these recitals to 
revive the animosities and acerbities that were en- 
gendered during the war, but simply to fix the re- 
sponsibility and guilt where it properly belongs. 

It is now a conceded fact that the great mass of the 
Southern people were opposed to the war, but were 
inveigled and dragged into it by their leaders, and the 
consequences resulting therefrom are properly charge- 
able to those who inauo-u rated and carried on the 
rebellion. 

It must not be foro-otten that there are rules, usaees, 
and laws of war as imperative and obligatory as the 
statute laws of the State in which we reside. 

These laws of war form a part of our international 
code that is recognized and respected by civilians and 
warriors in all the civilized nations of the earth. 

Now, whatever may be said in justification of the 
Southern rebellion, and those engaged in the effort to 
overturn our government and set up another, it will 
be the universal judgment of the impartial historian that 
many of the acts hereinbefore referred to are without 
the pale of civilized. Christian warfare, and becloud 
the names and darken the escutcheons of many of the 
champions of the Southern cause. 

I wish it to be distinctly understood that I do not 
place the shame and dishonor of this vile conspiracy 
at the door of every Southern man. There were hosts 
of honest, Christian people in the South who believed 
their cause to be just, but who would scorn the attempt 
to carry it to a successful issue by means so revolting 



332 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



as those resorted to by the leaders, and of which they 
stand convicted before the bar of pubHc opinion. 

The review of the times and scenes referred to in the 
foregoing pages would be incomplete without a refer- 
ence to the part taken and enacted by the people and 
government of Great Britain in the stirring events 
transpiring in the United States. 

The malevolence, duplicity, and ill-concealed hos- 
tility of that government to the people and govern- 
ment of the United States were never more strikingly 
illustrated than in the course pursued towards us dur- 
ing the days of our peril and struggle for a national 
existence. 

England has, for more than a century, cherished the 
most envious bitterness toward her disobedient cousins 
on this side of the sea, and when we were engaged in 
a hand-to-hand struggle for life, she deemed the time 
and the occasion opportune to wreak her pent-up 
malice in aidino- our overthrow. Notwithstanding^ all 
her vaunted opposition to human slavery and its propa- 
gation, she early espoused the cause of the South and 
gave the rebel cause her active sympathy and support. 
At the earliest moment she accorded the insurgents 
belligerent rights, and her known desire to acknowl- 
edge the independence of the Southern Confederacy 
was apparent on all occasions. Her love for " cotton" 
far exceeded her love for the freedom of the "slave." 
The South was supplied from her shores with all that 
was needed of munitions of war and supplies of all 
kinds. Her government workshops fitted out all the 
rebel cruisers that were needed to destroy our com- 
merce and impair our navy. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 333 

On the day preceding the night of the assassination 
of Mr. Lincoln, Earl Russell was inveighing against 
the government of the United States for retaking 
from on board the "Trent" the rebel commissioners, 
Mason and Slldell, who were on their way to treat 
with the British authorities looking to the recognition 
of the independence of the Southern government. 
The intensity of English feeling against the Northern 
government was manifested in the Parliament, then in 
session, by the prolonged cheering of Earl Russell on 
the conclusion of his speech. 

The deep significance of all this will be apparent 
when all of the circumstances are considered. If the 
government of the United States was destroyed or 
paralyzed for the want of an official head with which 
to treat, then, as the rebel government would be the 
only one in existence either de facto or de jure, the 
right and power to recognize it as the existing gov- 
ernment in the United States would have been justi- 
fied, and thereafter the United States government, the 
old rival of England, would have been a thing of the 
past. 

The further we pursue this subject the more appar- 
ent becomes the extent and magnitude of the con- 
spiracy, the chief leaders of which have escaped pun- 
ishment for the great crimes they originated and did 
so much to carry out. The brutal murder of Abra- 
ham Lincoln makes a dark, dark page in our national 
history, from which I cheerfully turn. 



334 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

The Cavalry — General Sheridan and his Lieutenants — General J, 
H. Wilson and his Cavalry— J. E. B. Stuart, Fitzhugh Lee, 
Jos. Wheeler, and Forrest as Cavalry Leaders — The Staff of tlie 
Army — General M. C. Meigs as Quartermaster-General — Subsist- 
ence, Ordnance, Medical, and Pay Departments— General W. 
G. Le Due as Chief Quartermaster and Pilot on the Tennessee 
River. 

The cavalry arm of the service in the early years 
of the war was not brought to a very high state of 
efficiency, owing to the peculiar character of the 
duties imposed upon it. In many cases regiments 
were practically broken up and the companies as- 
signed to escort or courier duty. In this way little 
opportunity was offered regimental commanders to 
drill and discipline their commands. In 1864, Gen- 
eral Sheridan was placed in command of the cavalry 
of the Army of the Potomac. Every one knew that 
he would not be willing to command a force of which 
no fighting was expected. Accordingly, he consoli- 
dated the companies Into regiments, which he formed 
into brigades and divisions, placing these organiza- 
tions under such active, enterprising leaders as Ave- 
rill, Merritt, Custer, Wilson, and others, and he soon 
had a body of cavalry that was seen and felt in every 
eno-ao-ement. I am inclined to doubt if there ever was 
a cavalry command superior to Sheridan's, under the 
gallant leaders such as I have named. 

In the West the wants of the cavalry were neglected. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



335 



In many cases the men were poorly mounted and 
badly armed and equipped, and yet it is astonishing 
what good service it did under Stanley, Stoneman, 
Mitchell, Eli Long, Hatch, Elliot, Garrard, Grierson, 
Knipe, Kilpatrick, Minty, Otis, and others. Seeing 
the great improvement of this arm of service in the 
Army of the Potomac, General J. H. Wilson was or- 
dered West to assume command of all the cavalry 
operating under the command of General Sherman. 
He was young, active, and ambitious, and soon did for 
our cavalry what Sheridan had done for the cavalry 
in the East. The battle of Nashville and the retreat 
of Hood gave Wilson a fair opportunity to show what 
could be done by cavalry when properly handled, and 
it was generally acknowledged that a very perceptible 
improvement in the fighting qualities was observable. 

The war terminated so soon thereafter that little 
time was allowed Wilson .to perfect the discipline of 
his command. 

I watched the services of the rebel cavalry and its 
leaders. It is probable that J. E. B. Stuart was the 
leading cavalryman of the army of General R. E. Lee, 
and next to him, undoubtedly, stood Fitzhugh Lee. In 
the South, Wheeler and Forrest were the cavalry 
leaders who for dash and enterprise were far in ad- 
vance of any of their associates. Wheeler, with his 
cavalry, was ever on our flanks and rear, and had to 
be closely watched to keep him away from our bag- 
gage-trains and prevent him from destroying the 
bridofes in our rear. 

Had the war continued several years longer the 
cavalry on both sides would have been brought to a 



;36 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



much higher state of efficiency and acted a much more 
prominent part in every campaign. 

I desire to speak of the staff departments of our 
army, and, for the information of the unprofessional 
reader, it may be well to say that these consisted of 
the Adjutant-General's Department, Quartermaster's 
Department, Subsistence Department, Corps of En- 
gineers, Ordnance Corps, Medical Corps, Pay Depart- 
ment. 

On the breaking out of the late war many of the 
heads of these various departments were unfitted for 
active, vigorous service on account of the infirmities 
of age. These had to be disposed of in some- way, 
and to this end Congress passed a law authorizing the 
President to retire from active service such as were 
incapacitated from any cause whatever. 

General Joseph E. Johnston resigned his position as 
quartermaster-general to enable him to accept service 
in the rebel army. His place had to be supplied, and 
as the success of our army depended in a great meas- 
ure upon the efficient workings of the quartermaster's 
department, care had to be taken to secure the right 
man. The subject was thoroughly canvassed by the 
proper authorities, and finally it was agreed to appoint 
Captain Montgomery C. Meigs, of the corps of en- 
gineers, chief of the department. Captain Meigs was 
universally recognized as an able engineer, but there 
were some who doubted the wisdom of appointing 
him to a position the duties of which he had never 
performed. However, he entered upon the duties 
devolving upon him in his new position, and his sub- 
sequent administration of the affairs of the quarter- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



337 



master's department demonstrated very thoroughly 
that his selection was a most happy one. 

All of the staff corps and departments were reor- 
ganized by eliminating the old and feeble and supply- 
ing their places by young, active men, and when this 
was done we had a most efficient staff. No army ever 
went to the field with one equal to it. All through the 
war its faithful work was manifest, but it has never 
received the credit to which it was fairly entitled. The 
success of every campaign depended, more or less, 
upon one or more of these staff departments, and it 
is sufficient to say that no campaign ever failed on ac- 
count of the inefficiency of either. It is an easy matter 
for a commander to order the movement of troops 
from one point to another and to direct the " subsist- 
ence department to furnish the rations and the quar- 
termaster's department the necessary transportation," 
but few persons stop to think of the amount of labor 
required on the part of these departments to carry out 
such orders. 

Our engineers were ever ready to direct the con- 
struction of all classes of defences and to perform 
such duties as devolved upon them, while our medical 
staff was perfect in all of the details for caring for the 
sick and disabled. It was astonishing to see how soon 
the wounded were taken from the field of battle to 
receive the attention of our faithful, efficient surgeons. 
These devoted men have never received the proper 
credit for the noble part they took in the great war of 
the rebellion. Night and day they labored with our 
sick and wounded, and not a complaint was heard from 
a single one of them. The adjutant-general's depart- 



338 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

ment was a most important one. Often the chief of 
staff would have to be up all night to superintend the 
distribution of orders for the following day, and in 
many instances they were called on, in the absence of 
their chiefs, to give orders involving great responsi- 
bility. In fact, in some cases the staff officer was in 
every way superior to his commander, but when the 
time came around for the awarding of credit the adju- 
tant was ignored. This department of the staff failed 
to receive the credit to which it was fairly entitled 
by the gallantry, devotion, and hard service of its 
members. 

Then the ordnance department was a power of 
strength in itself. There was always an abundance of 
ammunition, and the very best arms to be had were 
in the hands of our troops. Last, although not least, I 
come to the pay department. These faithful dis- 
bursers of Uncle Sam's greenbacks were always in 
the forefront and ready with crisp government bills to 
pay the gallant soldiers their monthly stipend. It is 
true that the currency was depreciated, but that was 
not their fault. It was the best the country could do, 
and those who braved the dangers on the battle-field 
were satisfied to accept the same in full for services 
rendered. 

At one time it took two hundred and eighty cents 
in greenbacks to make one hundred cents in gold. 
The price of living — in fact, the price of everything — 
was regulated on a gold basis, and when a soldier 
converted his greenbacks into gold he had a very 
small sum of money to compensate him for facing the 
cannon's mouth on the bloody field of battle. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



oj9 



Some of our very best generals were furnished by 
some of the staff corps. Notably among these I recall 
H. G. Wright, Godfrey Weitzel, John Newton, Z. B. 
Tower, Jesse L, Reno, and many others. I served 
with one of these, — John Newton, — who commanded a 
division in the Atlanta campaign and proved himself to 
be a skilful and gallant commander. At present he is 
the chief engineer of the army, a position for which he 
is admirably qualified. His name will ever be associated 
with the great improvement in New York harbor, in 
the removal of obstructions at Hell Gate. He was a 
brave commander, and is to-day at the very head of 
American engineers. While the army was besieged 
at Chattanooga, General William G. Le Due, the chief 
quartermaster on the staff of General Hooker, was at 
Bridgeport, on the Tennessee. He had in store at 
that place abundance of provisions for transportation 
to Chattanooga, but no means to send them forward 
except by mule-teams over rough, mountainous roads. 
If he relied upon that mode of transportation, he 
readily saw that starvation of the troops was only a 
question of a very short time. He determined on a 
more expeditious method. We held the river at 
Kelly's Ferry, and if he could procure a fleet of boats 
large quantities of rations might be sent to that point, 
from whence they could be much more easily conveyed 
to the troops, as the distance to be hauled by teams 
would be greatly diminished. Le Due was an ener- 
getic man of ereat resources, and he determined on 
buildinpf one or more small stern-wheel steamers. It 
was astonishing how soon he had a boat ready for the 
service. When finished he loaded it with provisions, 



340 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



but he had no pilot. No one knew anything about 
the river, and he could find no man willing to engage 
in such a hazardous enterprise. Having previously 
owned and operated a steam ferry from Hastings, 
Minnesota, to Prescott, Wisconsin, and having occa- 
sionally acted as pilot, he concluded to see what he 
could do in the way of navigating the unknown waters 
of the Tennessee. Taking his position in the pilot- 
house, he ordered the cable drawn in, and away 
steamed the little craft up the river, destined for 
Kelly's Ferry. All went well until overtaken by night. 
He had a man on board who had been a lake pilot, 
and he called on him to stand at the wheel for a while 
until he could rest himself. The lake pilot said that 
he could do nothing after dark without a compass, 
which Le Due thought unnecessary in a tortuous 
stream like the Tennessee. However, the old tar 
would not risk his life and reputation without a com- 
pass, and so the chief quartermaster had to remain on 
duty. Suddenly two lights appeared, one on either 
side of the river. The boat was steered to the north 
shore, as that light was supposed to be in a camp of 
our own soldiers. As soon as the vessel got within 
hailing distance, Le Due asked, " What troops are 
those?" The reply came back, "The Ninth Tennes- 
see." This caused a cold chill to creep up his spinal 
column, as the number indicated a rebel organization ; 
but as quick as possible the question was asked, "Who 
is your colonel ?" and when the reply came back, 
"Colonel Stokes," it brought relief, for Stokes was 
known to be a loyal Tennesseean, who had raised a 
regiment for the Union army. Le Due then asked. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 341 

" What li^ht is that on the other side ?" and when in- 

O 

formed that it was Kelly's Ferry he felt greatly re- 
lieved, and at once steered for it, and when his boat 
was fastened to the shore he and his darine crew 
were received with open arms by our half-starved 
men, to whom rations were at once issued, and a 
happy set of fellows slept that night on the wooded 
banks of the Tennessee River. 

Who will ever say that proper credit has been 
awarded this enterprising, active quartermaster? And 
yet this is only one instance of his valuable service in 
the war. 



142 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Professor of Military Science in University of Missouri and Uni- 
versity of Minnesota — Troops furnished by the State of Minne- 
sota — Names of Colonels and Battery Commanders — Names of 
Commanders of Independent Cavalry Commands. 

The injuries I received in the war incapacitated me 
for active service, and I applied to be placed on the 
retired list. In due time I was ordered to appear be- 
fore the Retiring Board in New York City, and having 
been examined was declared unfit for active duty, and 
was accordingly placed on the retired list on October 
1 1, 1867. 

During the following year the president of the Uni- 
versity of Missouri asked me to accept the position of 
military professor in that institution. I consented, and 
General John M. Schofield, then Secretary of War, 
directed an order to be issued placing me on that 
duty. 

The University is located at Columbia, Boone County, 
a place represented to me as one of the loveliest spots 
on the face of the earth. Without going to examine 
into the probable desirability of Columbia as a place of 
residence, I removed at once so as to be on hand at the 
opening of the fall term. I arrived with my family after 
dark, and was conducted to the best hotel in town. 
Soon supper was announced, and we filed into the 
dark, dingy dining-room, the atmosphere of which was 
not at all pleasant, and seated ourselves around the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 343 

table. As soon as seated, a dirty, greasy little negro 
placed his mouth to my ear and called out loud enough 
to be heard throughout the house, "Squirrel or mack- 
erel?" Indifferent bread, poor coffee, squirrel, and 
mackerel made up the bill of fare. When I was a lad 
at school I boarded in a family with six other young 
fellows. For supper we invariably had mackerel, 
which the good man of the house always divided into 
six equal parts by measurement. My place at the 
table was on his right. In serving he always began 
with the one on his left, to whom he gave the tail, the 
sixth and last piece was mine, which was always the 
head. For long, weary months I lived on mackerel 
heads, and I then and there made a solemn promise 
never to look a mackerel in the face again. So, at 
Columbia, I asked to be served with squirrel. I left 
the table with an unsatisfied appetite, and soon asked 
to be shown to our rooms. Up-stairs we went into a 
dingy back room, in which there were two beds, neither 
of which was supplied with springs. The mattresses, 
only about two inches in thickness, rested on slats. I 
tried to sleep but could not. The odors were not 
agreeable, and suggested many unpleasant thoughts 
as to lodgers in that room that paid no board bills. It 
was the longest night I ever passed, but finally morn- 
ing came. It was a gloomy morning, and I could hear 
the pelting of the rain on the roof above. Everything 
seemed damp and sticky. The marks on my body, 
made by the bed-slats, caused me to look as if I had 
reposed during the night on a large-sized gridiron. 
Mentally I resolved to leave the town, but my wife 
laughed good-naturedly, and suggested better things 



;44 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



when we went to housekeeping. However, our room 
was changed the next day, and we fared much better. 

There was only one vacant house in the town, and 
that was an old rattle-trap, really unfitted for occupancy, 
and for it a rent was demanded which would have 
secured a first-class house in St. Louis or New York. 
We took possession of it and made ourselves as com- 
fortable as possible under the circumstances. 

We were not long in making the acquaintance of 
the people, and soon found that we were in an edu- 
cated, refined community. Columbia was the home 
of Hon. J. H. Rollins, a former member of Congress 
and a stanch Union man from first to last. I also 
met Hon. R. L. Todd and his charming family, whose 
kind hospitality we often enjoyed, and who did much 
to make our stay pleasant and enjoyable, and I can 
say the same of the families of Mr. Stephens, Hon. 
W. F. Switzler, Mrs. Royall, the mother of Colonel 
W. B. Royall, of the army, the professors and their 
families, and many others. We were not long in 
finding out that our first impressions were erroneous, 
and that we were really domiciled in the midst of 
an agreeable community. And now, in looking back, 
the only unpleasant memory of Columbia is con- 
nected with their poorly-kept hotel. For the credit 
of the place, I hope they have better hotel accommo- 
dations. 

On a Sabbath morning, meeting Colonel Pat. Donan, 
now of Dakota, at church, and finding him an agree- 
able gentleman, and knowing that the accommodations 
of the hotel were not such as he was accustomed 
to, I invited him to stay with us while in the town. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 3^5 

He accepted my invitation, and we enjoyed his society 
very much. After he left us I received a newspaper 
in which there was an article from his pen in which 
he said, — 

" General R. W. Johnson called and gave me a 
cordial invitation to become his guest during the 
remainder of my stay. Expecting to leave next 
morning, I promptly accepted. And I was glad I did. 
For to few occasions of my life do I look back with 
more satisfaction than to the night spent beneath his 
hospitable roof It is a rare and real treat to meet 
with entertainers so kind, so courteous as he and his 
charming lady." And I can truthfully say that I never 
met with a more intelligent man or better conversa- 
tionalist in my entire life. 

The friends of the University desired to accept what 
was known as the "Agricultural Land Grant." To 
do this the law required that military science should 
be included in the curriculum, and hence I was wanted, 
not so much to teach the science of war as to make 
good their claim to this large grant of land. The 
only time allowed me for drill was the forenoon of 
every Saturday. In fact, the whole thing was a perfect 
farce as carried on under the President of the Uni- 
versity. In the month of June, 1869, I severed my 
connection with that institution and removed to St. 
Paul, the home of my adoption. On my arrival in 
Minnesota I was elected professor of military science 
in our State University. Here I remained a year and 
a half, being allowed twenty minutes each day for 
military exercises. In addition to my appropriate 
duties I instructed classes in mathematics, history, etc. 

23 



346 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

This I did at the earnest request of President Fol- 
well, for whom I entertained a high regard, and for 
whom I was wilHng to do anything in my power that 
.he might request. 

The art of teaching is a gift which kind nature never 
gave me, and no one knew it so well as I did myself. 
It was absolutely distasteful, and so I resigned my 
position and took up my residence in St. Paul. The 
valuable time passed at these institutions of learning 
I regard as absolutely lost. The attempt to teach 
military drills and manoeuvres to young men in the 
colleges of the land can never be successful, unless 
they are quartered near the institution or within hear- 
ing of the bugle call, and certain punishments can be 
inflicted for absence from military duties. 

Once more settled in St. Paul, I determined on 
making it my home for life, and every year I have 
resided here has made me more grateful to that 
Providence which guided my footsteps in early life to 
this land of blue skies and pure air, 

I have always felt that Minnesota was my home. 
I was here at the birth of the Territory, watched it in 
the days of its infancy, and now, in the maturity of 
Statehood, I feel as proud of it as a father does of a 
son whom he sees developing into useful and honorable 
manhood. 

Few States, if any, furnished as many troops for the 
suppression of the rebellion, in proportion to popula- 
tion, as did the State of Minnesota. The thrilling 
scenes of that eventful period in our country's history 
are now so far back in the past that our young, active 
business men know nothing about the-m, except what 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 3^7 

they derive from history or are told by the old, grizzly 
participants in that terrible and bloody struggle. 

Minnesota furnished twenty-five thousand men for 
the war, as follows : Eleven regiments of infantry, one 
regiment of cavalry, one regiment of mounted rangers, 
one regiment of heavy artillery, three light batteries, 
and two independent battalions of cavalry. 

The First Minnesota Volunteers was originally 
organized with Willis A. Gorman as its colonel. He 
was promoted, and was succeeded by N. J. T. Dana. 
Dana's promotion soon followed, and Alfred Sully was 
appointed in his stead. Sully remained colonel only 
for a short time, when he, too, was appointed brigadier- 
general. Then came Colonel George N. Morgan, 
who resigned, and that gallant old soldier. Colonel 
William Colville, succeeded to the command of the 
regiment and remained with it to the close of the 
war. 

H. P. VanCleve was appointed colonel of the Second 
Regiment, and on his promotion was succeeded by 
James George, who not veteranizing with the regiment, 
Judson W. Bishop was appointed colonel. This was 
the only regiment that served near me, and the only 
one of which I have any personal knowledge, and I 
can say of its officers and men that none braver were 
to be found anywhere in the grand army of the Union. 
VanCleve was a graduate of West Point of the class 
of 1 83 1, and on the declaration of war raised a regi- 
ment. He was a faithful, gallant soldier, and his 
regiment was among the best in the volunteer service. 
General Judson W. Bishop, who was the last colonel 
of the regiment, originally held the rank of captain, 



348 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

and by true merit passed to the head of the Second 
Minnesota. 

The Third Remment had four colonels in the order 
named: H. C. Lester, C. W. Griggs, C. C. Andrews, 
and Hans Mattson. Lester surrendered his reg?nient 
at Murfreesboro', notwithstanding the earnest protest 
of Captains Griggs, Andrews, and Hoit. For this 
Lester was dismissed, and thereafter " disappeared 
from history." Then Griggs, a brave, gallant soldier, 
was appointed colonel, and had he remained in service 
would have worn one or more stars, but his private 
business imperatively demanded his attention and he 
reluctantly resigned. He was succeeded by C. C. 
Andrews, whose gallantry and soldierly qualities soon 
won for him a brioadier's commission, and Hans 
Mattson, a good soldier, succeeded him. 

Colonel John B. Sanborn organized the Fourth, and 
he handled it so ably that he was soon called to the 
exercise of higher and more responsible duties. He 
was succeeded by John E. Tourtelotte. 

The Fifth Regiment was at first commanded by 
Rudolph Borgesrode, but he soon resigned, and our 
present worthy chief executive, Lucius F. Hubbard, 
took command and made a most excellent regiment 
of it. This regiment did valiant service in the battles 
resulting in the capture of Mobile, where General 
Hubbard was greatly distinguished as a brave and 
able leader. 

That thoroueh soldier and o-entleman, William 
Crooks, trained at West Point, organized the Sixth 
Reorlment, but as it was ordered to remain in Minne- 
sota to fieht the Indians, and as he wanted to serve on 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



349 



the battle-fields of the rebellion, he resigned ; not, how- 
ever, until he had performed gallant services in the 
campaigns against hostile Indians on the borders of 
the State. Crooks was succeeded by John T. Averill, 
a worthy successor to a worthy man. After the close 
of the war he represented the St. Paul district in Con- 
gress for four years, and was a valuable, faithful, 
laborious member, 

Steven Miller was the first colonel of the Seventh 
Regiment ; his successor was William R. Marshall, 
whose gallant conduct in the battle of Nashville 
brought him and his regiment prominently to the 
notice of that erand old hero. General George H. 
Thomas. 

The Eighth Regiment was organized and com- 
manded by Colonel M. T. Thomas, an accomplished 
soldier and gentleman, who received the brevet of 
brieadier-o^eneral for orallant conduct on the battle- 
field. 

The Ninth Regiment was mustered into the service 
with Alexander Wilkin as colonel. I knew him well, 
and a braver man, a better officer, a more thorough 
gentleman never drew a sword or commanded a regi- 
ment of men. He was killed in the battle of Gun- 
town, Mississippi. 

The Tenth was commanded by James H. Baker. 

The Eleventh Re^^iment was orofanized and com- 
manded by James Gilfillan, the present able chief 
justice of the State of Minnesota. He had a fine 
body of men, and placed them in a thorough state of 
discipline, and did good service on all occasions. 

R. N. McLaren commanded the cavalry regiment,. 



350 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

with which he performed good service, and was made 
a brigadier-general by brevet for gallantry and good 
conduct. 

Samuel McPhail commanded the regiment of 
mounted rangers, a good body of men, which, under 
McPhail, did good service. The three light batteries 
were commanded by Hotchkiss, Jones, and Pfaender. 
Hotchkiss had a splendid battery, which served near 
me. " Old Hotch" was at all times ready to let loose 
his dogs of war upon the enemy, and no battle ever 
occurred near him that he did not have a hand in it. 
He was always to be found with his battery where the 
battle raged most furiously. Jones and Pfaender were 
splendid officers, and their batteries, in efficiency and 
soldierly deportment, were second to none in the en- 
tire army. The two independent battalions of cavalry 
were commanded by A. B. Brackett and E. A. C. 
Hatch. As Brackett is now a terror to all evil-doers, 
so he was then a terror to all rebel organizations with 
which he came in contact. He was a stranger to fear, 
active and enterprising. No service was too danger- 
ous, no duty too disagreeable for him to perform. At 
some time during the war his battalion was consoli- 
dated with the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, but subsequendy 
he commanded a battalion under General Sully, and 
received two commissions from the President of the 
United States — those of lieutenant-colonel and colonel 
— " for gallant and meritorious services." 

Hatch, who commanded the other battalion, was full 
of energy and courage. He engaged in the war from 
patriotic reasons and from love of adventure and 
daring, and never let an opportunity pass when he 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



351 



could enjoy a hazardous dash upon an enemy. He 
has passed over to the other side, but has left behind 
him a spotless name, both as a soldier and citizen, of 
which his family may be justly proud. 

Minnesota, through Governor Ramsey, has the honor 
of being the first State to tender troops to the Presi- 
dent for the purpose of suppressing the rebellion, and 
also of beinof the first State to furnish a reo^iment for 
three years or during the war. When the news 
reached Washington of the bombardment of Fort 
Sumter, Governor Ramsey happened to be in that 
city, and at once proceeded to the war office and 
made a formal tender of one thousand men. He tele- 
graphed his action to Lieutenant-Governor Donnelly, 
who notified the Pioneer Guards, This organization 
met on the same evening, and volunteers were called 
upon to enroll their names ; and let it be said to the 
credit of Josias R. King, now inspector-general of the 
State, that he was the very first to sign his namfe and 
volunteer. This was on the 14th day of April, 1861, 
and the night before President Lincoln issued his proc- 
lamation calling out seventy-five thousand men. I be- 
lieve that Kinof was the first man in the United States 
to volunteer in 1861. From the beginning to the close 
of the war he was always in the forefront of the battle, 
rising by regular promotion from his place in the ranks 
to be a lieutenant-colonel, and this was on his merit 
alone, for he had no friends to push him forward. 

The First Minnesota Volunteers, with which King 
began his service, by its gallantry, good discipline, and 
soldierly conduct earned for the State a reputation 
and fame which it would not have acquired in fifty 



352 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



years of peace. Its reputation was not confined to 
this country only, but its good name spread over Eu- 
rope. The citizens of Brussels, in recognition of its 
discipline, gallantry, and bravery, sent to this country 
a " steel battery," complete, as a token of their esteem 
and admiration for its splendid achievements on the 
batde-field. 

No reofiment during; the entire war had a brio^hter 
or more glorious record. None of its men were 
wounded in the back, for their faces were ever to the 
foe. Where great danger was to be encountered or 
important points were to be held, this regiment was 
always selected, and always met the expectation of its 
friends. It never faltered nor flinched in the discharge 
of its duty, but was always at the post of danger until 
the lurid fires of the most wicked and causeless rebel- 
lion ever concocted by the malice and machinations of 
treason burnt themselves out amid the black ashes of 
overthrow and defeat. 

At Gettysburg, General Hancock assigned it to hold 
the crest of Cemetery Hill, the key to the Union po- 
sition, saying to Colonel Colville that the safety of the 
day depended upon that position remaining in our pos- 
session until reinforcements could arrive. The rebel 
divisions of Garnett and Hill were in plain view, 
charging upon this point, determined on carrying it 
for its strategic importance. The regiment had been 
reduced by the casualties of war to three hundred 
and fifteen men, and two hundred and forty of these 
were killed or wounded on that dreadful occasion, but 
the glorious little band of heroes held the point around 
which the fortunes of that desperate day revolved. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



353 



What the First was to the Army of the Potomac, 
the Second was to the Army of the Cumberland. But 
on every field where Minnesota was represented by 
her troops, her name and fame was on every tongue. 
At home there was a frightful outbreak among the 
Indians, and had it not been for the grood manasfement 
of General H. H. Sibley, who was in command of the 
district of Minnesota, the loss of life would have been 
simply appalling. But by good management and the 
efficiency of his troops the incipient rebellion or out- 
break was soon suppressed, and the most prominent 
leaders were brought to pay the penalty of their crimes 
by the forfeiture of their lives. When the war was 
over, our brave boys came marching home. 

There are three persons of whom mention should 
be made, although neither went to the field of battle, 
yet their services were equally as valuable. I refer to 
Alexander Ramsey, Henry M. Rice, and Morton S. 
Wilkinson. The first named, as governor of the State, 
was untiring in his efforts to furnish troops for the war, 
and he was particularly fortunate in making his selec- 
tions of rep-imental commanders. The orreat success 
of our troops was due, in a great measure, to the 
splendid officers in command of them, and much of the 
credit they won should be attributed to his wise and 
judicious selections of able, skilful commanders for 
the various commands organized by him. Mr. Rice 
and Mr. Wilkinson were United States Senators, and 
as such were in hearty sympathy with the friends of 
the government, uniting and co-operating with them 
in voting men and money to carry on the war to a 
successful conclusion. 



354 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



What shall be said of the rank and file ? I wish I 
could mention each one by name and speak of his 
deeds of noble daring. There is a warm place in my 
heart for the private soldier, who, for a mere pittance, 
faced the cannon's mouth, and through whose bravery 
and devotion to duty the monster rebellion was crushed 
and peace restored to all parts of our national domain. 
May God bless the surviving veterans of the late war! 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



155 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Hon. N. W. Kittson, General H. H. Sibley, Hon. H. M. Rice, 
R. P. Russell, Esq., Merchants, Bankers, Lawyers, Railroad 
Men, Steamboat Men — Character of Population — Politics of the 
State — Army Life, Civil Life, Promptness, Dissipation — An 
overwrought People — Unequal and Unjust Compensation of 
Men and Women — The Laborer worthy of his Hire. 

Some of the men who first located in this country 
are still with us, and have always been active in the 
development of the resources of the State. These 
men formed our laws and put the machinery of the 
Territory and State in motion. 

At this date I believe the oldest living settler is 
Hon. Norman W. Kittson. He came here in 1830, 
under great difficulties, having to travel on foot from 
Canada. He was employed by the Great American 
Fur Company, and at first took station between the 
Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, but in 1832 removed to 
the head-waters of the Minnesota River, and soon 
thereafter was transferred to Red Cedar River, in 
Iowa. In 1834 he became connected with the sutler's 
department at Fort Snelling. 

Man was not made to live alone, and the existence 
of one pale-face in this then remote region was noised 
abroad, and another enterprising young man by the 
name of Henry H. Sibley put in his appearance. He 
pitched his tepee at St. Peter, now Mendota, and there 
he remained until he constructed substantial houses 



356 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

in which to Hve and in which to store goods for sale 
to the IncHans in exchange for furs. 

Color, lanofuaCTe, and business broucrht these two 
men into close personal relations, and it is a beautiful 
fact that they have lived together for more than a half- 
century, during which time not a word has been spoken 
by either to alienate the affections of the other. No 
two brothers were ever so warmly attached as these 
two old settlers. Such long, unbroken attachments 
are beautiful because so rare. Two more noble, gen- 
erous men never walked the streets of St. Paul. 
Both have labored to advance the interests of this 
State. Both have been in the front rank in every 
good work. Both have been true friends of the poor, 
and no two men have g-iven more of their substance 
to assist the destitute and needy. 

To this happy pair was soon added Mr. Henry M. 
Rice, a man of enterprise and public spirit, who at once 
entered into business with all the energy for which 
his whole life has been distinofuished. He has held 
many places of honor and trust, and has at all times 
acquitted himself with great credit. He has probably 
done more to build up St. Paul, and the State at large, 
than any other living man. To these three add Mr. 
R. P. Russell, of Minneapolis, and we have a complete 
list of the survivors of those who arrived here prior 
to 1840. These were the foundation-stones upon 
which the State has been erected. Through their 
agency men of capital were induced to come out and 
invest it in some way to benefit the State and them- 
selves. The magnificent railroad systems were per- 
fected by such men as Hon. E. F. Drake, who em- 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



157 



barked in the St. Paul and Sioux City Railroad 
scheme, and never rested until he had completed the 
work. And his public-spirited enterprise did not 
cease with the completion of the road, but he has 
invested largely in valuable real estate, which he has 
improved. Other capitalists have done likewise, and 
thus have the affairs of the State prospered beyond 
precedent. 

These railroad and landed Interests required men 
well versed in the law, and they were not " backward 
in comincr forward," Among- those arriving here at 
an early period in the history of the State, and who 
are here at this time, we recall Horace R. Bigelow, 
Charles E. Flandrau, H. J. Horn, John B. Sanborn, 
Aaron Goodrich, George L. Otis, I. V. D. Heard, 
J. B. Brisbin, W. W. Erwin, H. L. Williams, Green- 
leaf Clark, W. P. Murray, Westcott Wilkin, E. G. 
Rogers, and many others of equal prominence. Then 
came the retail merchants, Nicols & Dean, A. L. 
Larpenteur, D. W. Ingersoll, J. L. Forepaugh, Mann- 
heimer Brothers, Lindeke Brothers, A. H. Cathcart, 
Powers & Co., and many others. Then came the 
wholesale merchants, such as Beaupre & Keogh, Allen, 
Moon & Co., Griggs & Co., Auerbach, Finch & Van 
Slyke, William Lee, Powers, Durkee & Co., Hall & 
Paar, Pascal Smith, etc. Banks were organized by 
such men as E. S. Edgerton, Thompson Brothers, 
Dawson, Smith & Scheffer, H. P. Upham, Walter 
Mann, Willins Brothers, Peter Berkey, W. R. Merriam, 
and others. 

Physicians, commission men, real estate agents, and, 
in fact, all professions and trades became represented, 



!58 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



and thus was a city formed which for growth was 
never surpassed and only equalled by Minneapolis, 
where the same energy and enterprise characterized 
her people. There are now within a radius of ten 
miles not less than three hundred thousand people. 
Thirty-six years ago there were not fifteen hundred in 
the same area. In 1849, St. Paul had a population of 
four hundred ; in 1880, forty-three thousand; in 1885, 
one hundred and eleven thousand. 

It was not until 1864 that a railroad reached St. Paul, 
and now not less than fifteen roads centre in this place. 
In connection with the railroads, the names of Hon. 
Edmund Rice and Hon. W. L. Banning will ever be 
associated. These two men have labored long in the 
interest of St. Paul's railroad systems, and it may be 
asserted, truthfully, that no two men were ever more 
loyal to their city's best interest, and their loyalty and 
devotion is made manifest by the construction of sev- 
eral of the main lines radiating from St. Paul. It is 
not alone by these roads that the worth of such men 
is to be estimated. They have been leaders in every 
enterprise calculated to promote the interests of St. 
Paul and of the State. The steamboat lines from St. 
Louis to St. Paul are ably represented by Commodore 
W. F. Davidson and Captain Russell Blakely, although 
the latter long since quit the business. Both of these 
men, in early life, stood upon the deck and controlled 
the freiehtine business to and from St. Paul. Com- 
modore Davidson still owns a line of boats, but has it 
operated by others, while he gives his personal atten- 
tion to his large real estate interests. Captain Blakely 
occupies himself with the affairs of various stage-lines, 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 359 

which penetrate every portion of the West not reached 
by rail or boat. 

In addition to the business which occupied most of 
the time of our merchants, bankers, lawyers, steam- 
boat men, and others, each endeavored to induce others 
to come with their capital and energy to aid in building- 
up this city and State. The population is made up of 
people from all the States in the Union and from all 
parts of the Old World. The thrifty Germans, the in- 
dustrious Scandinavians, the good-natured Irishmen, 
the urbane Frenchmen are all represented in this great 
bee-hive of the Northwest. 

The first governor of the State, General Henry H. 
Sibley, was a Democrat, but when he laid aside the 
robe of office the position was filled by Alexander 
Ramsey, a Republican, and that party has controlled 
the State ever since. The Republican majority is about 
forty-five thousand. The Democratic party has main- 
tained its organization, and deserves a great deal of 
credit for so doing, when there has not been the 
slightest chance for success within the last twenty 
years. 

What the future has in store for the party in this 
State no one knows. However, it is a comforting re- 
flection that Minnesota has been well managed under 
Republican rule, and should it continue forever we 
shall be secure in " the blessings of liberty to ourselves 
and to our posterity." 

During my active service I heard officers often speak 
of resigning, which they disliked to do because it was 
the severing- of old associations and the formino- of 
new ones which might not be so pleasant. I suppose 



36o A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

if one resigned from the army and lived a life of su- 
preme idleness, they would have ample opportunity to 
think of their old friends and little desire to make new 
ones. I could not be idle. My life had been an active 
one, and it was necessary for me to have something 
to do, so I entered fully into business, and have never 
regretted the step I took in 1867. It is true the life I 
had lived unlitted me somewhat for the walks of civil 
life. I had been trained to believe that promptness 
was necessary in all the details of life. That if an en- 
ofaeement was made for three o'clock, it meant that 
hour, not several hours later. I find in civil life a great 
want of punctuality, — not intentional, but from habit. 
Agree to meet at a given time and place with five 
gentlemen, the chances are that two will forget all 
about the appointment, two will be from a half-hour 
to an hour late, and the other will possibly be on time. 
Now, of course, this would never do in the army. An 
officer ordered to be with his command at a certain 
place at a certain time must be there, for his failure 
might jeopardize the safety of an army. I was always 
in the habit of attending reveille, and I became so con- 
firmed in it that even now I am awake at daylight. It 
is said of an old English officer who was placed on the 
retired list, that he often employed a drummer and 
fifer to sound reveille under his window, so that he 
could turn over in bed and enjoy the luxury of not 
having to get up and dress himself preparatory to at- 
tending the roll-call of his company. I am awake at 
the proper time, and usually rise and begin the duties 
of the day. 

The advice of one whose life has been prolonged 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 36 1 

almost to threescore years, to the young men, is to 
cultivate promptness and punctuality in all engage- 
ments, and thus improve upon their sires. 

Drunkenness among gentlemen is unpardonable, 
but the effect of late hours in retiring or in rising is 
almost identical with dissipation over the wine-cup. 
Either will break down the strongest constitution and 
bring on early decay. 

Excepting the human family, the usual longevity is 
about five times the length of time it takes to mature. 
A horse is mature at five years old, and will, if taken 
care of, live to be twenty-five years old. A dog ma- 
tures at two years, and lives to be ten years old ; and 
man, who matures at twenty-five, should live to be 
one hundred and twenty-five, but he shortens his life by 
eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing to excess, and 
by not giving himself the proper length of time for sleep. 
I have seen lawyers in this city labor on their cases all 
day and go home at dark with an armful of books and 
papers, to continue their work after the lapse of a few 
moments passed in hurriedly taking their dinner or 
supper. 

If we could all adopt the masonic division of time, 
— eight hours for labor, eight hours for doing good to 
others, and eight hours for rest and refreshment, — the 
world would be happier and better. But there are 
persons in this city who work night and day, including 
the Sabbath. They will amass large fortunes, but they 
will not live to good old age to enjoy the accumula- 
tions of a life of drudgery and hardship. Again, the 
habit of requiring clerks to work sixteen and eighteen 
hours out of every twenty-four is cruel. We have 

24 



302 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals. 
Why not one for prevention of cruelty to young men 
and young women who have to earn their daily bread 
in our stores, shops, and factories? Again, a woman 
who does a man's work should receive a man's pay. 
Our overtaxed women teachers in the public schools, 
many of whom are as efficient as their male associates, 
should be paid accordingly. 

The cost of living, the duties and responsibilities, 
are the same in both cases, then why an illiberal, un- 
just discrimination against them in the matter of com- 
pensation ? 

There is an old proverb which has struggled down 
to us through the thick mist of a^es and the chanofinof 
phases of empire, to the effect that " The laborer is 
worthy of his hire." But in these latter days there 
are many who are disposed to dispute the truthfulness 
of the proverb, and it is perfectly astonishing to see 
how many converts they are making. We are very 
apt to place the seal of condemnation upon all labor 
"strikes" without stopping to inquire for the cause. 
Men who are well paid for their services rarely ever 
" strike." 

In times of financial troubles, when men and moneyed 
institutions begin to fail, there is something within that 
tells us we must exercise greater economy. Where 
shall we begin the curtailment ? In conversation once 
with a gentleman he remarked that, " owing to the 
stringency of the times he had to inaugurate a system 
of economy far more sweeping than ever before." 
Where do you suppose he applied the pruning-knife ? 
By giving up his pew in church, A poor place to 



IN PEACE AND WAR. -A^l 

begin. Generally, however, the wages of those who 
have served long and faithfully are first reduced. Is 
it right to reduce the wages of your employes below 
a point at which they can live and support those de- 
pendent upon them for daily bread? Is it not better 
to lessen expenses by dispensing with some of the lux- 
uries, and leaving the necessaries of life within the 
reach of the hard-working, faithful employe? 

The "jay-hawking" manner in which much of the 
business of western cities is carried on is calculated 
to rob not only labor, but capital, of fair compensation. 
A gentleman desires to erect a house. He calls on a 
builder, who is anxious for a job in order to have his 
men employed. In his estimate he puts everything 
down to the very lowest limit. His figures are taken 
to some other builder equally anxious for work, and 
he agrees to do the job for five or ten per cent. less. 
These are shown to a third builder, who cuts in on the 
figures of the second, and so on until finally the con- 
tract is awarded to some one at less than a living rate, 
and in this way the builder and laborers are robbed of 
their just dues, and men are required "to work for 
nothing and board themselves." In this way labor is 
demoralized and the laborer impoverished by sys- 
tematic larceny. 

A gentleman desires to purchase lumber, and by a 
similar process he procures it for less than the unman- 
ufactured material cost, thus robbing capital of its just 
reward. 

We are living in the light of the fullest, freest, 
grandest civilization ever given by the centuries to 
mankind. We boast of our charities, of our churches, 



364 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

almshouses, the progress of religion, and the growth 
of every Christian virtue, but are we not retrograding 
in common honesty among ourselves ? Are we not 
trying to make money, not "by the sweat of our 
brow," but by the sweat, blood, and muscle of others ? 
The golden rule, " Do unto others as you would have 
others do unto you," will give labor and capital in 
every community a fair equivalent for their services 
and their use. A contrary course will drive both to 
seek other localities. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 365 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

First Proclamation of Governor Alexander Ramsey — The First 
Legislature — Old Settlers' Association — The Seal of the Old Set- 
tlers' Association — Pioneers of Ramsey County — What these 
Men have Done — James J. Hill — Railroad Men — St. Paul's 
Railroad Systems — Wonderful Growth of St. Paul. 

On the first day of June, 1849, Governor Ram- 
sey, Chief Justice Goodrich, Associate Justice David 
Cooper, with H. L. Moss as United States District 
Attorney, assembled in a small room in the old St. 
Paul House, and there, seated upon trunks and beds, 
drew up the proclamation announcing the Territorial 
government fully organized and the courts opened for 
the adjudication of all civil misdemeanors. There was 
no table in the room, so the wash-bowl and pitcher 
were placed upon the floor and the wash-stand was 
made to answer for a table. Amid such poverty and 
gloomy surroundings the Territory of Minnesota had 
its birth. 

I remember seeino- the first leo-islature which con- 
vened. The upper house consisted of nine and the 
lower of eighteen members. These men represented 
much land but few constituents, and were gathered in 
from the most remote corners of the vast Territory. 
Some came in on Red River carts, others on dog-trains, 
a few by boat, and some on foot. None of them had 
any previous experience in deliberate bodies, but all 
were earnest, laborious mqn. No legislature which. 



366 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

has ever assembled since has been composed of better 
material than the one assembled to lay the corner- 
stone upon which to build this great and prosperous 
State. Years have passed since that legislature fin- 
ished its work, but many of the laws- it enacted are 
still upon our statute-book. 

There is an organization in this State, incorporated 
under the laws and known as the Old Settlers' As- 
sociation. All male persons twenty-one years old, or 
over, in the Territory on January i, 1850, are eligible 
to membership. To join this association it is only 
necessary to pay over one dollar to the treasurer, 
prove age and actual residence, and at once the appli- 
cant becomes a member in good and regular standing. 
The anniversary of the day upon which Governor 
Ramsey issued his first proclamation is the day upon 
which the association meets to reunite the bonds of 
companionship and good-fellowship. It is astonishing 
how prompt these old fellows are in attendance. 
Their first and most important duty to perform is to 
attend the old settlers' meeting, and all business must 
yield on this occasion. In former years their habit 
was to meet at high noon on the ist, pass the usual 
resolutions, elect new officers for the ensuing year, 
tell a few stories, and adjourn to meet that night at 
the banquet table at some hotel. After the feast they 
would proceed to "make night hideous" with songs 
of mirth and side-splitting stories. But latterly these 
old fellows cannot stay out so late, so they banquet 
in the afternoon, sing few songs, and tell few stories. 

The seal of this association represents a grave- 
yard filled with tombstones and monuments, and in 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



;67 



the midst thereof is one solitary old man leaning upon 
a cane. This is supposed to be the last one above 
the orj'ound. At a recent meetino- an old member 
referred to the sad fate of this lonely old man very 
feelingly, and endeavored to picture the sorrow and 
gloom by which he would be surrounded, whereupon 
Governor Ramsey, who does not grow old, remarked, 
"The association need give itself no uneasiness on 
that account ; in a spirit of self-abnegation I will ac- 
cept that place if it be the pleasure of the brethren." 
By law no new members can be taken in, so it is only 
a question of a few years when the association will 
expire by " constitutional limitation." 

A rival association has been formed, known as the 
Ramsey County Pioneers. This association takes in 
all who were residents at the date of the admission of 
the State, May ii, 1858, and who were of age on 
December 15, 1871, the date upon which the associa- 
tion was organized. Among this number may be 
found the greater part of the prominent business men, 
as well as the leading men in all the professions. 

As a general thing the early pioneers were poor 
in worldly goods, but rich in faith as to the future 
growth and prosperity of the great Northwest. In 
truth, they were men of foresight, energy, and enter- 
prise. Some of them seem to have instinctively 
known where corner lots would be found in the 
future and secured many of them; and although panic 
after panic has rolled over and beat upon them, yet 
we find these same old pioneers holding on to their 
possessions with a degree of tenacity truly remarkable. 
Others have settled in this region, — men of capital and 



368 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

brains, — and they have used every persuasive possible 
to induce these pioneers to surrender their lands and 
tenements for o-litterino- p-old, but the words from their 
silver lips have fallen, as it were, upon deaf ears. 

Many of the pioneers have fallen by the wayside ; 
yet many remain who are numbered among the most 
enterprising citizens, who have contributed in a large 
degree to make one of the wealthiest and most pros- 
perous States in the Union. With a wise administra- 
tion ' of government, and the smiles of a oracious 
Providence, Minnesota will always be one of the 
cherished spots on the face of the earth consecrated 
as the home of religion and of liberty. Who can 
estimate the great work of these earnest pioneers in 
moulding the moral character and standing of the 
people of the State ? They have encouraged the 
erection of churches and school-houses, and these will 
forever attest their foresight, intelligence, and moral 
worth. 

These same men laid the foundation of our present 
railroad system. Others came in and improved upon 
their plans, and secured to us railroads radiating from 
our city like so many iron fingers to grasp and bring 
to our storehouses the vast surplus of the great em- 
pire, in extent, which lies to the West. Mr. James J. 
Hill and Mr. N. W. Kittson, and a few friends asso- 
ciated with them, did a great work in securing the St. 
Paul and Pacific, which they reorganized and extended 
until they control to-day one of the largest and best 
systems in the land. It was Mr. Hill's and Mr. Kitt- 
son's foresight that secured it, and it is Mr. Hill's in- 
tellect that guides and directs this mammoth enterprise 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 369 

to-day. Without railroad experience he at once en- 
tered upon the business as owner, manager, and leader, 
and the success which has attended his administration 
places him at the very head of the railroad men of this 
age. 

By his own energy and business foresight he has 
become, without a doubt, the wealthiest man in the 
State, and this is more to his credit when it is remem- 
bered that he started life on a small salary, and with- 
out friends to push him forward. 

It Is to such men as George L. Becker, E. F. Drake, 
N. W. Kittson, James J. Hill, A. B. Stickney, General 
Herman Haupt, George A. Hamilton, Edmund Rice, 
H. H. Sibley, John L. Merrlam, C. H. Prior, J. A. 
Chandler, and others equally prominent, that St. Paul 
Is indebted for her grand system of railroads. Be- 
tween St. Paul and Chicago there are now five trunk 
lines, a sixth soon to be completed, and a seventh 
under construction. The Rock Island, the Iowa and 
Minnesota division of the Milwaukee and St. Paul, the 
Omaha and the Minnesota Northwestern penetrate 
the fertile regions In the south and southwest ; while 
over the track of the latter that grand and wealthy 
corporation, the Illinois Central, has access to this city. 
Railroad and river complete our transportation with 
the South. To the north and west the St. Paul, Min- 
neapolis and Manitoba, and the North Pacific, with 
their branch lines and connections, afford the means of 
transportation to and from the far distant North and 
West. For all this vast western empire St. Paul and 
Minneapolis will remain the chief depot for distribu- 
tion and supply. With these advantages the marvel- 



370 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



lous growth of the two cities named can be compre- 
hended. 

An evidence of the wonderful growth of St. Paul 
is found in the fact that last year more than nine mil- 
lions of dollars were expended in buildings. The 
wholesale trade was something over eighty-one mil- 
lions, and this enormous sum is only a trifle compared 
to what it will be when the rich prairies and valleys of 
Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington 
Territories are densely settled with an industrious, 
thrifty population. New York, is without doubt the 
chief commercial city of America, but gradually Chi- 
cago has been making inroads upon her trade, and in 
these latter days St. Paul draws heavily upon Chicago. 
The merchants of the latter recognize this fact and are 
striving by every means in their power to prevent it. 
But with an open lake to Duluth our merchants can 
sell on as small margins as Chicago, and country mer- 
chants save in the matter of rail transportation. That 
is, freights by water to Duluth are no higher than they 
are to Chicago, and the difference by rail is about two 
hundred and fifty miles in favor of St, Paul. In a 
few years merchants west of this city will not think of 
going east of St. Paul for the purpose of purchasing 
supplies, and then will be fulfilled the prophecy of the 
late Mr. Seward, who predicted such a wonderful future 
for the city situated in the geographical centre of the 
United States. 

" It is impossible to touch upon all the items or to 
enumerate all the branches in which our city has 
achieved and is sure to win renown. As a direct im- 
porter of foreign commodities, its rank is rising rapidly, 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 371 

and St. Paul enterprise brings the choice teas of the 
Orient direct from the vessels that carried them across 
the ocean to this point for distribution. With each 
year outlets thought of little worth become densely-in- 
habited territory. Miles of new streets appear where 
months before there was only prairie, and costly public 
works are carried forward with the energy and fore- 
sight of a metropolis. The steady multiplication of 
postal business is a faithful and unbiased index of 
progress. Here, within a circle swayed by these 
cities, are laid the foundations of one grand metropo- 
lis. Here, by every argument of fact and experience, 
will rise the chief interior centre of a continent. And 
here, in the beginnings already made, is found no mean 
earnest and promise of that destiny whose dawn is now 
breaking upon our view." 



172 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

Minnesota Admitted at a Critical Period in tlie Country's His- 
tory — The Old Railroad Bonds — Democratic Party Declares in 
favor of their Payment — Both Candidates in favor of Settle- 
ment of the State's Liability — How the Question was Settled by 
Governor John S. Pillsbury — Lucius F. Hubbard his Successor 
— A Worthy and Well-qualified Executive — State Officers Asso- 
ciated with Him, 

The transformation of the Territory to the State of 
Minnesota, with all the rights, privileges, and responsi- 
bilities of a free and sovereign State, occurred at one 
of the most critical periods in our country. The great 
moneyed centres of the East were suffering from finan- 
cial embarrassments, and the great stringency in the 
money market was seriously felt throughout the con- 
fines of the republic. Capital which the people hoped 
to secure for the upbuilding of our new State was re- 
quired for the uses of eastern and northern enter- 
prises. Such were the exigencies of the pioneer 
settlers that they were willing to adopt any measure 
calculated to relieve the pressing wants of a people 
absolutely and literally without money and without 
credit. 

Congress, on the 5th day of March, 1857, granted 
to the Territory four million five hundred thousand 
acres of land to be used in the construction of rail- 
ways. This afforded a field too fertile to remain long 
uncultivated by the shrewd and energetic men who 
had flocked hither in search of fortunes. An extra 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



Z1\ 



session of the legislature was called, and an act passed, 
May 2 2, 1857, giving the entire grant to certain char- 
tered railroad companies. 

But the people soon learned that the parties securing 
the lands had neither money nor credit to carry on 
these great Improvements. During the winter of 
1858 the legislature passed another act, submitting to 
the people an amendment to the constitution, pro- 
viding for the loan of the public credit to the land 
grant railroad companies to the amount of five million 
dollars, upon condition that a certain amount of labor 
on the projected roads was performed. This amend- 
ment was opposed by some of the ablest men in the 
State, but It was carried by 25,023 in favor of it, with 
only 6733 against it. 

The State, In other words, was to issue the bonds 
and turn them over to the railroad companies at the 
rate of ten thousand dollars for every mile graded, 
but the roads were to pay the interest and principal of 
all the bonds thus Issued. Governor H. H. Sibley 
expressed his determination not to deliver any State 
bonds to the railway companies unless they would 
give first mortgage bonds, with priority of lien upon 
their lands, roads, and franchises in favor of the State. 
One of the companies applied for a mandamus from 
the Supreme Court of the State to compel the Issue 
of the bonds without the restriction imposed by the 
governor. The court, Judge C. E. Flandrau dissent- 
ing, ordered the governor to issue State bonds as soon 
as the companies delivered their first mortgage bonds 
as provided by the constitution. 

The bonds of a State without credit, placed on the 



174 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



market under such peculiar circumstances, were not 
sought after as an investment. After the issue of 
about two milHon dollars of bonds not a rail was laid, 
and only a few hundred miles nominally graded. The 
roads failed, and all that was left to the State were the 
franchises and the limited work which had been done. 
These in time were transferred to other parties, and 
aided very materially in the building of roads over 
these same lines. 

There is not much wonder why these bonds were 
repudiated so long. For a while they served as a basis 
for banking, and the money passed current in Minne- 
sota, but was worthless elsewhere. In a short time the 
banks failed, and this did not elevate the bonds in the 
estimation of the people who held their worthless 
issue. I believe that the bankinor-house of Mr. E. S. 
Edgerton was the only one that survived, and that 
made good to the depositors and holders of this 
State money. I remember the bills. They were very 
handsome, and on one occasion I left St. Paul for New 
Orleans with my pocket-book well lined with " Glen- 
coe" money. After passing Prescott, I could not pass 
it at any price. It was absolutely valueless, and I had 
to ship it back. 

However disagreeable the task, Minnesota, having 
endorsed for a worthless creditor, was legally and 
morally bound to make these bonds, good. Years 
passed and our population increased. The new-comers 
did not care to be taxed for indebtedness incurred 
before they came, and particularly as there seemed to 
be some doubt in regard to the validity of the bonds 
in the opinion of those who originally opposed their 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



375 



issue. Every year the opponents became more 
numerous, notwithstanding Governor Sibley never 
ceased to advocate the payment of every dollar due, 
and he was supported by many of the very best men 
in each party. 

It could not be made a party issue, for both parties 
were divided on the subject. Advocates for and 
against the bonds were to be found in every political 
convention. The Republican party, which had given 
Garfield forty thousand majority, did not care to pro- 
claim in their platform that it was in favor of an honest 
settlement of this liability, although a large number of 
the party favored it. The Democratic party, which 
had nothing to lose, boldly announced in favor of any 
settlement that could be made with the holders of the 
bonds, who in the mean time had expressed a willing- 
ness to accept fifty cents on the dollar. The Repub- 
lican convention, which met in 1881 to place in nom- 
ination a candidate for governor, adopted a patriotic 
platform, but was silent upon the only living issue in 
our State. . The Democratic convention soon followed, 
and, having no hope of success, could afiford to adopt 
a platform, one plank of which was an outspoken res- 
olution in favor of justice and fair dealing towards the 
bondholders. 

Having boldly wrestled with this important subject, 
the next business was to select a candidate who was 
willing to go before the people as a leader of a " for- 
lorn hope." However, the selection was finally made, 
and the nominee entered upon the hopeless task with 
all the energy possible. The Democratic Committee 
tried to get speakers to visit the various parts of the 



376 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

State for the purpose of advocating the ticket; but all, 
with three honorable exceptions, knowing the hope- 
lessness of the contest, declined to enter into the can- 
vass. Colonel William Crooks, an old wheel-horse 
of the Democracy, Mr. John W. Willis, a prominent 
young lawyer of this city, and Mr. H. P. Hall did all 
in their power for the ticket ; but, with these three 
exceptions, the labor of the campaign devolved upon 
the candidate himself. Of course the result was the 
defeat of the Democratic party. During that canvass 
it was made very clear to me that a legislature elected 
on that issue would never provide for the settlement 
of this vexed question, and I communicated my views 
to Governor John S. Pillsbury, who favored the pay- 
ment of the bonds. I said that in my opinion the 
only way to secure the settlement was for him to call 
an extra session of the old legislature and submit the 
question to that body. I do not know that my recom- 
mendation influenced him at all, but the extra session 
was called, and the members met the question in a 
spirit of justice and fairness. By the provisions of the 
act the bondholders were to be paid in money or other 
bonds. Governor Pillsbury conceived the idea that 
the new bonds might be repudiated, and in order to 
avoid such an event he sold other bonds held by the 
State for the benefit of the schools, and with the 
money thus obtained purchased the new bonds and 
paid the old bondholders in money. This action on his 
part has forever settled the question, for no one in the 
State will ever dare to propose the repudiation of the 
bonds held in trust for the education of the rising and 
succeeding generations. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



Z77 



In the gubernatorial race before referred to, General 
Lucius F. Hubbard, a distinguished officer in the late 
war, was the Republican candidate, and it is but just 
to him to say that he was as much in favor of the 
payment of the bonds as the Democratic nominee, 
but as his party convention had ignored the question 
he did not feel called upon to proclaim his individual 
opinions. He has been the executive of the State for 
more than four years, and has proven himself worthy 
and well qualified for the office, and demonstrated 
very fully that the convention which placed him in 
nomination did not overestimate him as a man and as 
a faithful, laborious public servant. His admirable 
administration has met the approval of both parties, 
and when he lays aside his official cares men of all 
shades of political faith can truthfully say, " Well done, 
thou good and faithful servant." 

Governor Hubbard has been fortunate in having 
around him men of ability in all the departments of 
the State government. His worthy private secretary, 
General S. P. Jennison, has discharged his duties 
faithfully and well, and the same may be said of Attor- 
ney-General Hahn, Auditor W. H. Braden, Secre- 
tary of State Fred. Von Baumbach, and Treasurer 
Charles Kittelson. Most of these, if not all, were in 
the army during the war, where they earned the repu- 
tation of being brave and gallant soldiers. The people 
of the State have honored themselves in honorine 
these noble defenders of our country. 

The reference to the State officers would be incom- 
plete without a notice of that grand old veteran, Cap- 
tain Joseph Burger, who has charge of the arms and 

25 



378 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



munitions of war appertaining to the State. In the 
late war he lost an arm and in addition received a half- 
dozen wounds, any one of which would have killed any- 
ordinary man. With the disabilities resulting from 
these wounds he still manages to take most excellent 
care of the State arms, and to be on hand for any ser- 
vice required of him. He is well qualified for his 
office, and should hold it as long as he lives. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



79 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Seasons in Minnesota — Comparison of Cold Weather North and 
South — Indian Summer — Squaw Winter — Labor for the People 
in all Seasons — Amusements in Winter — Ice-Palace — Reception 
of King Borealis — The King and Queen's Reception — Snow- 
Shoe Clubs — Toboggan Clubs — The Fire-King attacks the Ice- 
King — Desperate Assault with Roman Candles — The Armistice 
— March through the Streets — The Ice-Palace, a thing of Beauty 
— Minneapolis — Colonel Girart Hewitt. 

Some one has said that there are four seasons in 
Minnesota, viz., June, July, August, and winter. An- 
other remarked that Minnesota was furnished with 
eight months of winter and four months of cold, raw, 
disagreeable fall weather. Either of these statements 
misrepresents the delightful climate of the State. The 
winters are truly cold, but then the houses are con- 
structed with that in view and the wearing apparel is 
regulated accordingly. In the South the houses are 
frail and the clothing light, and when the mercury falls 
below the freezing point, the people suffer as much as 
the Minnesotians do when the thermometer marks 
thirty degrees below zero. 

A lady of St. Paul, who passed a winter at 
Thomasville, Georgia, remarked that she would have 
perished from cold, had she not taken a seal-skin sack 
with her. This she used as a gown to wear at all 
hours, night and day. Recently, while on a visit to 
Atlanta, Georgia, the mercury passed below zero. I 



38o A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

occupied a large room heated by a small grate which 
held possibly a peck of coal. Supposing that one- 
third of the heat passed up the chimney, one can 
readily calculate that two-thirds of the heating capacity 
of a peck of soft coal was hardly sufficient to keep the 
room warm. Water froze at my bedside. I tried to 
keep warm by getting close to the grate. My knees 
were burning while the temperature of my back was 
near the freezing point. Ice rarely ever enters the 
rooms of our people except in water-pitchers, and 
hence we know very little of cold in our houses. 
When we go upon the streets fur wraps are brought 
into requisition. Those who go out ill prepared for 
cold weather must of necessity suffer, and if out any 
great length of time are apt to have their ears and 
noses frozen, but an early application of snow prevents 
any serious consequences. The winter fairly begins 
by December i, and continues until about April i ; 
then we are sure to have delightful spring weather, 
followed by several months during which the mercury 
often climbs up among the nineties. Then comes the 
fall, and w^ith it frost, which changes the foliage into 
every imaginable hue, and transforms the forests into 
pictures of transcendent beauty. Before the setting 
in of winter we have several weeks of Indian summer, 
generally abruptly terminated by a fall of snow. This 
the old settlers call "squaw winter." After this we 
are likely to have a second edition of Indian summer. 
It is then that the thoughtful man looks to the coal-bin 
and the good wife brings out the furs and places them 
in position to be called into requisition on a moment's 
notice. Thus it is that in the briofht rounds the seasons 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 381 

come and go in this land of blue skies, clear water, and 
pure, invigorating, health-giving atmosphere. 

An acquaintance of mine awakening one morning at 
four o'clock, and desiring to know just how cold it was 
on the outside, scantily clad, went down-stairs and 
passed out on the porch, closing the door after him. 
The thermometer was hano^inor ao^ainst one of the outer 
posts of the veranda. Striking a match he saw that 
the mercury stood at thirty-two degrees below zero. 
The wind was high and whistled around his unpro- 
tected limbs. Hastening to return he found the dead- 
latch down, — his night key, — but, alas ! he had left his 
pocket in his bedroom. The bell that answered to 
the front door was in the kitchen, and the girls were 
up-stairs and sound asleep. What was he to do ? 
Could it be possible that he was to freeze to death on 
his own porch and within a few feet of the warm bed 
he had just left ? The coachman had a key to the out- 
side cellar door, through which an entrance could be 
effected, but he was sleeping the sleep of innocence 
in his room in the stable at the rear end of the lot. 
However, the only escape from freezing to death was 
to push out to the stable and arouse him from his 
slumbers. The coachman insisted upon dressing, but 
my friend informed him that the necessity was too 
pressing to allow him to make his toilet. So out he 
came and back through the snow-drifts they went. 
The key to the cellar door was in his pocket, but, un- 
fortunately, in his haste he had left it in his room, and 
so he had to return for it. At last the door was 
opened and my friend was rescued from a horrible 
death. He says he knows just how cold it is when 



382 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

the mercury indicates thirty-two degrees below zero, 
and that he learned a lesson on that cold and eventful 
morning which he will never forget. " Never leave 
your pocket behind you when you go out in midwinter 
to see how cold it is." 

It may be asked, What do the laboring classes do for 
work during the long winter months ? Builders make 
contracts for erecting houses, and always agree to have 
them finished by November i, weather permitting; 
but it is a very rare circumstance that the weather is 
favorable enough to enable them to comply fully with 
the contract. The fact is, these far-seeing builders are 
looking ahead for something to do when the chilling 
blasts of winter render out-door work unpleasant, if 
not impossible. The houses, however, are closed in 
on time, the arrangements for heating placed in posi- 
tion, and when cold weather comes the furnace is 
"fired up," making the temperature on the inside 
warm, and work can be carried on as conveniently and 
pleasantly as in summer time. A few places of this 
character afford mechanics constant work throughout 
the entire winter season. 

Here there is work, at remunerative wages, for all 
who desire it, and hence all classes of our people are 
contented, prosperous, and happy. 

The winter amusements are of varied character, and 
participated in by all who have nothing else to demand 
their time and attention. Among these amusements 
I mention the opera, theatre, sleigh-riding, skating, 
dancing parties and parties without dancing, etc., etc. 

A new form of amusement came into vogue last 
winter. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 383 

A number of enterprising citizens conceived the idea 
of erecting an ice-palace and inaugurating out-door 
exercises for the entertainment and amusement of the 
people. The plan was approved of by all classes, a 
company was formed, and George R. Finch was elected 
president ; George Thompson, vice-president ; A. S. 
Talmadge, secretary ; Albert Scheffer, treasurer, and 
W. A. Van Slyke, manager. The erection of the 
palace began as soon the ice was thick enough, and 
the work was pushed rapidly forward. The picture of 
it gives a very inadequate idea of its beauty. Snow- 
shoe clubs, toboggan clubs, and clubs of all kinds 
were formed, each with a different uniform. 

The king of the carnival, Borealis, arrived and was 
hailed with delight by all. He was taken from the 
depot to the City Hall in a small boat secured to the 
running-gear of a sleigh and drawn by twelve white 
horses, where he was received by the mayor and pre- 
sented with the keys of the city. On the same night 
he and the queen, surrounded by the members of the 
royal court, gave a reception in Carnival Hall, which 
was attended by at least ten thousand persons. On 
the night following, he and his soldiers were attacked 
in the palace by the Fire-King and his troops. Both 
armies were armed with Roman candles, and used 
rockets and other fireworks. During the battle the 
palace was kept in a blaze by red lights properly 
arranged on the inside. This lip-ht revealed the struct- 
ure in all its parts, and, taken in connection with the 
magnificent display of fireworks without, formed a 
picture of indescribable beauty. Finally, an armistice 
was agreed upon and hostilities ceased. Both kings, 



384 ^ SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

followed by the contesting forces, marched through 
the streets of the city, amid the ringing of bells, the 
firing of guns, the explosion of rockets, and the shouts 
and yells of a delighted populace. In this procession, 
seated in gayly-attired sleighs, ladies, young and old, 
were to be seen, and all seemed to enjoy themselves 
to the fullest extent, yet the thermometer indicated 
twenty degrees below zero. 

For the success of this day's work the people were 
indebted to Mr. D. A. Monfort and Mr. C. W. Mcln- 
tyre, who arranged all the details with mathematical 
precision. 

Throughout the carnival season some new phase 
was presented each day, and thus for several weeks 
not only our own people but thousands attracted to 
the city were amused and interested by the novelty of 
the entertainment. 

The winter carnival is an institution which has come 
to stay. Already a corporation has been formed for 
the erection of an ice-palace every winter for the next 
thirty years, and I am sure that all who witness the 
annual carnival will be well repaid. It is a good way 
to enliven the cold winter months, and I simply voice 
the public sentiment when I extend thanks to the pro- 
jectors of this delightful entertainment. 

Our neighboring city, Minneapolis, has arranged to 
have every summer a " Northwestern Exposition," 
which will supplement our carnival season and furnish 
pleasant and agreeable entertainments for all seasons 
of the year. 

Minneapolis has been built up by the same kind of 
people who settled in St. Paul. They have never 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 385 

faltered in any enterprise calculated to advance the 
interests of their city. 

Such men as Franklin Steele, now dead, Isaac At- 
water, Thomas Lowry, John B. Atwater, Eugene M. 
Wilson, Anthony Kelly, John H. Stevens, Richard 
Chute, R. P. Russell, S. H. Chute, Winthrop Young, 
W. S. King, John S. Pillsbury, Sidle Brothers, Charles 
A. Pillsbury, and others of equal prominence, are the 
men who have contributed towards the upbuilding of 
this beautiful city, and the growth of the place has 
been simply wonderful. 

Thirty-seven years ago I encamped near the end of 
the present suspension-bridge, from which point there 
was not a house to be seen except an old saw-mill, 
owned and operated by the government. In fact, the 
Indian title to the land had not been extinguished. 
To-day they have a population considerably over one 
hundred thousand, with miles and miles of paved 
streets and massive buildinofs which would be a credit 
to any city in the land. The corporate limits join 
those of St. Paul, and, if the two cities make the same 
progress in the next decade as they have in the last, 
the stranger will not know when he passes from one 
city to the other. In other words, the two will be 
practically united, and then will come to pass the ful- 
filment of the prophecy made by the late Colonel 
Girart Hewitt, who could see farther into the future 
than any of those around him. Colonel Hewitt was 
born in the State of Pennsylvania in the year 1825, 
studied law and located in Alabama, but in 1856 came 
to Minnesota for his health. He was one of the most 
active and successful real estate dealers in St. Paul 



386 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

from the date of his arrival up to the day of his death. 
When I recall the many conversations we had on the 
future prospects of this city, and see how fully his pre- 
dictions have been verified, I realize how thoroughly 
he had considered every aspect of the case, and how 
far he was in advance of many of those with whom 
he was daily associated. He had the confidence of 
the people of this city, by whom he was greatly 
admired, and in his death St. Paul lost one of her 
most valuable and highly-esteemed citizens. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 387 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Henry Jackson. His Claim Shanty. His Hospitality. He mar- 
ries a Couple by Bond — A. L. Larpenteur — Governor Sibley's 
Staff — Active Service of Colonel John S. Prince, A. C. Jones, 
W. H. Forbes — Mob Law in Wright County — Causes of Sioux 
Outbreak in 1862, and final Suppression — Execution of Thirty- 
eight of the Ringleaders. 

Among the early settlers in this section of the 
country there were many men who deserve mention 
at this time, I recall first Henry Jackson, from whom 
Jackson Street receives its name. My first interview 
with him was under peculiar circumstances. It was 
currently reported that the military reservation at 
Fort Snelling was to be reduced, — that is, that part of 
it lying on the east side of the Mississippi River was 
to be thrown open for pre-emption by actual settlers. 
The final action of Congress was anticipated by a 
larofe number, who constructed rude shanties at various 
points on what is now known as Reserve Township, 
in Ramsey County. Among this number was Henry 
Jackson, who occupied a claim between St. Paul and 
Fort Snelling. It was generally understood that as 
soon as the commander at Fort Snelling heard of this 
wholesale invasion of his domain he would compel 
the temporary sojourners to remove their improve- 
ments without unnecessary delay. Jackson was bold 
in his declaration that he had located to stay, and that 
he would not tear down his shanty without a fight. In 



388 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

a short time the matter was brought to the notice of 
Colonel Loomis, who directed a lieutenant to proceed 
in charge of a detachment of twenty dragoons and 
destroy every claim shanty erected on the east side 
of the river. When the lieutenant reached Jackson's 
place he feared that he might meet with some oppo- 
sition, but on letting him know his instructions from 
the post commander, he remarked, "Well, lieutenant, 
before you level my shebang come In and let us take 
a drink." It Is not definitely known what the lieuten- 
ant did do then and there, but, when the habit which 
was so general In those days of never refusing a good 
thing is recalled, it is shrewdly suspected that he re- 
sponded to his kind Invitation In such a way as not to 
offend the aforesaid Jackson. On the conclusion of 
the ceremonies incident to the occasion the under- 
pinning was knocked from under the house and down 
it came, and great was the fall thereof, for a large part 
of Jackson's worldly goods were buried beneath the 
ruins. Mr. J. Fletcher Williams, in his " History of 
St. Paul," refers to Henry Jackson as follows : 

" During the year 1844, Jackson was appointed by the Governor 
of Wisconsin Territory a justice of the peace. There was some 
delay in getting his commission, etc., after his bonds had been sent 
to Madison, as the mails in winter were very slow. One day, a 
couple came to his house, very anxious to be married. Jackson 
informed them that he was not yet authorized to perform that cere- 
mony legally, and they would have to defer their marriage a few 
days. This was a great disappointment to the loving hearts that 
were so anxious to beat as one, but they could not think of post- 
poning the happy hour. Jackson was equal to the dilemma. He 
proposed to marry the7n by boiid, — i.e., that they should give a bond 
that, when his commission arrived, they would appear and be 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 389 

legally married by him, and in the mean time they could live to- 
gether. They gladly consented to this. The bond was made out 
and signed, and the happy couple went on their way rejoicing. 
Any public officer who could bridge over little difficulties like this 
was a handy man to have around." 

Jackson held at one and the same time several Im- 
portant ofifices. He was justice, postmaster, hotel- 
keeper, legislator, clerk of court, and possibly others. 
He was a valuable man in his day and generation, — 
kind, generous, liberal. He had many friends and 
few, if any, enemies. 

A. L. Larpenteur, another old landmark, has passed 
throuo^h all the vicissitudes common to frontier life. 
In 1849 ^^^ had the largest dry-goods house in the Ter- 
ritory, and made money, but misfortune overtook him 
and he lost everything save his energy. Fickle fortune 
dallied with him time and again, but at last he is on a 
firm foundation, and has all the worldly goods he needs 
to make him in the evening of his life comfortable and 
happy. 

When Governor Sibley was inaugurated he pro- 
ceded at once to place the State on a war footing, at 
least he surrounded himself by a staff large enough 
for an army of one hundred thousand men, and all of 
these staff officers hungered and thirsted for informa- 
tion in the art of war. I happened to visit the city 
during his term of office, and was requested to drill 
the members of the staff in the sabre exercise, and 
also explain how to mount and dismount and go through 
some of the simple movements laid down in the school 
of the trooper mounted. The names of all those who 
took part in these drills cannot now be recalled, but 



;90 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



John Farrington, D. A. Robertson, Dr. A. G. Brlsbine, 
W. H. Forbes, A. C. Jones, John S. Prince, N. W. 
Kittson, and L. C. Dayton were among them. Little 
did we dream that at that very time the fires of sec- 
tional strife were only smothered for a season, and 
that they were soon to burst forth and be seen and 
felt in the North and South, the East and the West, 
involving the country in a contest unequalled in the 
whole annals of civilized warfare for fierceness and 
tenacity. Three of the above named subsequently 
saw active service : Jones, unfortunately, on the wrong 
side, Forbes in the Subsistence Department, and Col- 
onel John S. Prince in the Wright County war, where 
by good management he suppressed a rebellion against 
the peace and dignity of the good people of that 
county without the shedding of blood. 

The nature and character of this rebellion was the 
taking of the law out of the courts and the adminis- 
tration thereof by a mob. The governor resolved to 
suppress such lawlessness, and sent three companies 
under command of Colonel Prince to arrest the leaders, 
which was promptly done, and this caused the dis- 
bandment of the law-breakers and the restoration of 
law and order. 

Mob law can never be justified, and particularly in 
localities where the courts are open for the trial of 
misdemeanors ; but the punishment prescribed by law 
for some offences is so inadequate that it is not strange 
aggrieved parties should disregard the courts and 
proceed to inflict suitable punishment without the 
forms of law. To prevent this the laws should be 
changed so that every crime and misdemeanor can be 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



391 



appropriately punished, and until such legislation is 
enacted, mob law will be occasionally resorted to, and 
the verdict of the people will be, " Served him right." 
The Sioux outbreak in 1862 afforded an opportunity 
for all of these gentlemen to see, and take part in, 
active service on the frontier. The cause of the out- 
break has never been definitely known. It does not 
seem to have been a deliberate and predetermined 
affair, but rather the result of various concurrent causes, 
such as long delay in the payment of the annuities after 
the Indians were assembled, and an insufficient sup- 
ply of food ; dissatisfaction with the traders ; encroach- 
ment of settlers upon the reservations ; dislike of the 
missionaries and their converts, and finally an insane 
idea that they could defeat and destroy the white people 
and ultimately have the entire control of the whole 
country. This the Indians thought possible from the 
fact that many of our young men were out of the State 
with the various armies operating against the rebels. 
The military posts were practically abandoned ; in fact, 
it seemed to them that the time for action had arrived. 
A few young warriors, wearied with a life of idleness, 
started out on the war-path for the purpose of securing 
a few Chippewa scalps, but finally reached Acton, drank 
freely, and became intoxicated. They demanded more 
liquor and were refused, whereupon the infuriated sav- 
ages fired upon and killed not only the bartender, but 
also four other persons. This seems to have been the 
beginning. At once a general gathering of the Sioux 
took place, and at a given signal they began the anni- 
hilation of the people on the frontier, and within thirty- 
six hours over eight hundred men, women, and chil- 



392 A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 

dren were brutally murdered. Some of the young 
women were carried off to suffer more than death. 
Governor Ramsey commissioned General Sibley to 
raise a force and start for the frontier. After a long 
and tedious march the Indians were overtaken and de- 
feated, and by good management on the part of Gen- 
eral Sibley, the captives were retaken and restored to 
their friends. Thirty-eight of the ringleaders were 
executed after trial and conviction. The summary 
punishment inflicted upon the tribe has proven a whole- 
some lesson, and from that time to the present the 
frontier of Minnesota has not been disturbed by In- 
dian outbreaks. 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



593 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

Learn a Trade — The Labor Question — Antagonism between Capital 
and Labor — Each Dependent upon the Other — Troubles likely 
to arise from Inconsiderate Discussions of this Question — Strikes 
and Threats will not adjust the Difficulty — American Politicians 
— Retrogression — Political " Bummers." 

Some time since a young man, who had been for 
several months unsuccessful in securing employment 
as a clerk or salesman in some dry-goods house, com- 
plained to a friend of his ill-luck, whereupon the friend 
remarked, "Why do you not learn a trade?" The 
reply was, " A trade is not so respectable as mercantile 
occupation." Under this delusive idea the stores and 
business houses are crowded with young men who 
have no capacity for business, and who, because of 
the fancied respectability of doing nothing, waste their 
minority upon salaries which cannot possibly furnish 
them with the means necessary to meet their expenses. 
Too late in life they discover their error, and before 
they reach the age of thirty years many of them look 
with envy upon the thrifty mechanic, whom, in the 
days of their boyhood, they were accustomed to deride. 

The false idea of respectability which prevails in the 
fashionable society of the present day has ruined 
thousands of young men, and will ruin thousands 
more. The cities and towns all over the land are 
filled with this class of persons in search of something 
to do, — just anything to keep body and soul together. 

26 



394 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



Philosopher Greeley was in the habit of saying to this 
class of persons, " Go West," but his advice would 
have been better had he said " Learn a trade, young 
man, and then the great workshops of the West will 
send for you." 

Let every young man learn a trade. It may not be 
necessary for him to live by it, but it will be something 
that cannot be taken from him. The permanency of 
wealth is one of the most uncertain things in man's 
experience. A storm at sea, a fire that cannot be 
controlled, a destructive cyclone, a failure of a bank, 
and a thousand other causes may sweep it away in a 
moment, and the possessor, rich to-day, may be poor 
when the sun rises on the morrow. In such cases it 
may be a matter of sortie importance to have a trade 
upon which to fall back. 

And then, too, the learning of a trade is very often 
the quickest passport to the very position of wealth 
and respectability which these short-sighted young 
men so ardently crave. Business tact, joined to skilled 
mechanical talent, is sure to reap a rich reward. The 
best business manag-ers of ereat manufacturinof or 
mercantile firms and corporations are the men who 
have risen from the ranks, — men trained in every pro- 
cess of the production of the articles manufactured, 
bought, and sold. 

Parents should guide their sons in the direction of 
a thorough preparation for the possible adversities of 
the life before them, by the acquisition of a knowledge 
of some self-supporting mechanical trade, and as far 
as lies within their power they should strive to keep 
them away from the cities, unless the young men are 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 



395 



financially prepared to engage in some business on 
their own account. 

Every State has an agricultural college, but the sons 
of farmers who should take such a course decline to 
do so. They seem unwilling to become farmers, but 
drift to the cities to take positions as clerks or join 
some of the professions, for which they are often 
unfitted. Every city in the land has men in the pro- 
fession who can never attain any position of promi- 
nence, but who as mechanics or farmers would take 
high rank and be men of mark and influence, and aid 
in the development of their respective localities. The 
sooner the young men of this country disabuse their 
minds of the false idea that lalpor is derogatory to the 
character of a gentleman, the better it will be for them 
and for the country at large. Labor is disgraceful only 
when disgracefully performed. 

The country is at this time agitated over the labor 
question, — that is, the imaginary conflict between 
labor and capital. Unprincipled political " bummers" 
are endeavoring to antagonize these two classes' 
for the purpose of riding into power. Every right- 
thinking man is willing to accord to labor everything 
within the limits of reason, but all must admit that 
capital has some rights which cannot be totally dis- 
regarded. In fact, labor and capital are so closely 
united that they go hand in hand, each one being es- 
sential to the interests of the other, and any man who 
attempts to engender strife between them is an open 
enemy of both. What would the workingman do 
without the aid of capital, and of what earthly use 
would capital be to any one without labor ? Another 



396 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



cause of complaint now is the number of hours 
laborers are required to toil every day. In this coun- 
try, where every man is free to do as he pleases, he 
can work just as many hours as he wishes, but then 
the man who employs him is not compelled to pay 
him as much for eio-ht hours as for ten hours of labor. 
As many men are unable to meet their liabilities with 
the pay for ten hours, how can they better themselves 
by working a less number of hours daily and for less 
wa^es ? 

At all times, and under all circumstances, my sym- 
pathies are with those who are compelled to work for 
their daily bread ; and in this class will be found men 
of good, sound, practical sense, who are abundantly 
able to adjust all differences existing between them- 
selves and capital or employers, if allowed to do so in 
their own good way. But as this class is much larger 
than the one controlling capital, the " political bum- 
mer" must needs come in, not for the purpose of 
bettering the condition of the laborer, but to use him 
as a tool for political and selfish ends. Hence we see 
among the champions of this labor movement men 
who never did an honest day's work in their lives. 
Now if the sun-bronzed tiller of the soil, the horny- 
handed carpenter, the mason, and other laboring men 
leave their interests in the hands of these unprincipled 
political hacks they will be led into trouble. It is not 
the hard-working man who is stirring up the strife, but 
the shrewd, unprincipled politician, who expects political 
preferment through the votes of this large and intel- 
ligent body of men. It is readily seen that the country 
is on the verge of troublesome times, which it is hoped 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 397 

the sensible men engaged in these labor movements 
may see and avert. Strikes and threats will not settle 
this question, but it must be met in a spirit of fairness 
on the part of the labor classes, and they will find that 
capital will meet them upon terms satisfactory to all 
concerned. The politicians must be remanded to the 
background, and the sensible men of these labor 
organizations must act for themselves. 

In America, politics is a profession, and many men 
become active politicians and discourse learnedly about 
the requirements of the Constitution who never read 
that instrument, and who could not comprehend it if 
they did read it. It does, in truth, seem that there has 
been a retrogression, — that politicians are not so able 
and so true as formerly. Where the statesman, whose 
rapturing eloquence can make the hearts of nations 
and of senates thrill and tremble to the mao-ic of his 
master-touch, as did the immortal Henry Clay ? Alas ! 
his mantle descended upon no one, and in these de- 
generate days there are no great men whose lips are 
music and whose hearts are fire. Statesmanship be- 
longs to the past and demagogy to the present. 
Has there not been retrogression in other departments 
as well? The lyre of Orpheus is unstrung, and the 
rust is gathering redly on the sword of Coeur de Lion. 
No living minstrel can wake the " tranced melodies" 
of the one, — no living warrior can uphold the ponder- 
ous weight of the other. No monarch like Charle- 
magne, no cavalier like Bayard, no bard like him of 
Stratford-on-Avon. Where is the man who could lead 
the conquering armies of a Gustavus or a Napoleon ? 
The fact is, Liliput has been " riding a raid," and 



398 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES 



seems to have subjugated pretty much every portion 
of the habitable globe. The world no longer produces 
intellectual giants who are venerated and applauded 
for their genius and eloquence, because the young men 
are too anxious to begin the accumulation of wealth 
to remain in school or college long enough to acquire 
thorough educations. 

Unfortunately, money, not moral or intellectual worth, 
seems now to be the measure of human ambition and 
of human greatness. 

About the time I located in St. Paul, the State was 
ravaged by grasshoppers, and the ruin and desolation 
to be seen in their wake can scarcely be described. A 
farmer, while taking his frugal noon-day meal, could 
look out upon his waving grain, so full of promise of 
a bountiful harvest, when suddenly the heavens would 
be darkened as if by a heavy cloud, the grasshoppers 
would descend upon his wheat, and within a few hours 
the beautiful green field would be changed to one of 
blackness as if burnt by a passing fire, — his bright 
hopes of noon would be blasted and blighted before 
the sun went down behind the western hills. Scarcely 
a green thing could be seen after these pests had a few 
hours to carry on their work of destruction. Truly 
the condition of the poor farmer was pitiable. The 
State legislature made an appropriation for the pur- 
pose of buying seed-wheat for the destitute, and Dr. 
David Day, William Lindeke, and myself were ap- 
pointed commissioners to purchase and distribute the 
grain. To do this intelligently and fairly it was neces- 
sary for us to visit the various sections which had been 
devastated. In order that the aid should reach the 



IN PEACE AND WAR. 399 

farmers in time for seeding, we started out on our trip 
early in March, before the snow had disappeared, and 
over wretched roads we passed from settlement to 
settlement. This trip gave me an insight into the 
wretchedness and misery entailed upon the poor farm- 
ers by the grasshopper scourge. Many of the fron- 
tier people we found living in caves, and in many in- 
stances they had not had any meat or bread for months, 
during which time they subsisted on milk and potatoes, 
and often we found families who had only one of these. 
In many instances these poor people were on the 
prairie far away from wood, and the only fuel they had 
was straw twisted compactly together, in which state 
it would burn for some time and give out heat enough 
to prevent suffering from intense cold. We were not 
long in learning that our own safety required that we 
should carry along with us a bountiful supply of crea- 
ture comforts, so when we reached a town our lunch 
basket was always replenished. I recall the day we 
drove from Redwood Falls to Marshall. It was a very 
cold day and we suffered very much. Seeing a shanty 
some distance in our front we drove rapidly to reach 
it, hoping to find shelter and a fire. It was occupied 
by an old couple, both of whom were in bed and suf- 
fering from rheumatism. There was not a particle of 
heat in the shanty, but we soon got some hay and 
twisted it and started a fire, then drawing out our lunch 
basket we gave the old people something to eat, and 
when we were about leaving, Mr. Lindeke insisted that 
we should leave them something upon which to live for 
a few days. So dividing our stores we left them much 
better supplied than they had been for months. I 



400 



A SOLDIER'S REMINISCENCES. 



never heard of them after this, although I fear they 
did not survive the winter. This was by no means an 
isolated case. There were hundreds of families in 
about the same condition, barring the rheumatism. 

The following year the grasshoppers again appeared, 
and during the following winter we went over pretty 
much the same ground and distributed aid. Again, 
when the wheat was well up, the pests appeared. The 
Christian people prevailed upon Governor Pillsbury to 
appoint a day of fasting and prayer to God for deliv- 
erance from the scourge. He was ridiculed for his 
action, but meetings were held in all the cities of the 
State at the appointed time, and from that date to the 
present we have escaped their annual visitation. Had 
the grasshoppers risen and passed on to some other 
locality it might be said by some to have been simply 
a coincidence, but the fact is they left and no one knows 
to this day where they went. In truth, it looks as if 
they disappeared from the face of the earth. 

And thus the story is told. I trust that the forego- 
ing pages will have enabled the reader to pass a few 
hours pleasantly while hastily glancing at the recollec- 
tions of one now approaching the sunset shore of a 
life prolonged beyond the average age of man. 



APPENDIX. 



The information contained under this head will prove of in- 
terest to my army friends, who on the frontier have not access to 
libraries. 

The cost of the war to the United States was over four thousand 
millions of dollars. 

CASUALTIES DURING THE WAR. 

The number of casualties in the volunteer and regular armies of 
the United States during the war of 1861-65 was reported by the 
provost-marshal-general in 1866: 

Killed in battle, 61,362; died of wounds, 34,727; died of dis- 
ease, 183,287; total died, 279,376; total deserted, 199,905. 

Number of soldiers in the Confederate service who died of 
wounds or disease (partial statement), 133,821 ; deserted (partial 
statement), 104,428. 

Number of United States troops captured during the war, 
212,608; Confederate troops captured, 476,169. 

Number of United States troops paroled on the field, 16,431 ; 
Confederate troops paroled on the field, 248,599. 

Number of United States troops who died while prisoners, 29,725 ; 
Confederate troops who died while prisoners, 26,774. 



401 



402 



APPENDIX. 



TROOPS ENGAGED IN THE WAR. 

Table exhibiting, by States, the Aggregate of Troops furnished to the Union 

Army, 1861-65. 

[Compiled and condensed from the Official Reports of the War Department.] 



States and Territories. 



rj. Colored 

Population furnTsh^ed, ! f^n^H 

in i860. ,Q<:, £- I furnished, 

I 1861-63. 1861-65. 



New England Stati-s. 

Connecticut 

Maine 

Massachusetts 

New Hampshire 

Rhode Island 

Vermont 



460,147 
628,279 
1,231,066 
326,073 
174,620 
315.09S 



57-379 
72,114 
152,048 
34,629 
23,699 
35>262 



Total 3.135.283 



375.131 



1,764 
104 

3.966 
125 

1,837 
820 



7,916 



Middle States. 

New Jersey 

New York 

Pennsylvania 



672,035 
3.880,735 
2,906,215 



Total I 7,458,985 

I 



81,010 
467,047 
366,107 

914,164 



1,185 
4,125 
8,612 



13,922 



Western States and Territories. 



Colorado Territory 

Dakota Territory 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Michigan , 

Minnesota 

Nebraska Territory . 

New Mexico Territory. 

Ohio 

Wisconsin 



34,277 

4,837 

1,711,951 

1,350,428 

674.913 
107,206 

749,113 

172,023 

28,841 

93,516 

2.339,5" 
775.881 



4,903 
206 

259,147 

197.147 

76,309 

20,151 

89.372 
25,052 

3.157 
6,561 

319,659 
96,424 



Total 8,042,497 I 1,098,08s 



95 

1,811 

1,537 

440 

2,080 

1,387 
104 



5,092 
165 



12,711 



APPENDIX. 



403 



TROOPS ENGAGED IN THE ^ K^— Continued. 



States and Territories. 



Population 



Troops 
furnished, 
1861-65. 



Colored 

Troops 

furnished, 

1861-65. 



Pacific States. 

California 

Nevada 

Oregon 

Washington Territory 



379.994 

6,857 

52,465 

11,594 



15.725 

1,080 

1,810 

964 



Total. 



450,910 



19,579 



Border States. 

Delaware 

District of Columbia 

Kentucky 

Maryland 

Missouri 

West Virginia' 



Total. 



112, 2l6 
75,080 

.155.684 
687,049 

,182,012 
393.234 



3,605,275 



1 1,670 
16,872 
79,025 
50,316 
109,111 
32,068 



301,062 



954 

3.269 

23,703 

8,718 

8,344 
196 



45.184 



Southern States. 



Alabama 

Arkansas 

Florida 

Georgia 

Louisiana 

Mississippi 

North Carolina., 
South Carolina. 

Tennessee 

Texas , 

Virginia'' , 



Total 8,710,01 



964,201 
435,450 
140,424 
1,057,286 
708,002 

791,305 
992,622 
703,708 

1,109,801 
604,215 

1,203,084 



2,576 
8,289 
1,290 

5,224 

545 
3.156 

31,092 
1,965 



54,137 



4,969 
5.526 
1,044 

3,486 
17,869 

5.035 

5,462 

20,133 

47 



63.571 



Indian Nation... 
Colored troops^. 



Grand total 

At large 

Not accounted for. 
Officers 



3,530 
93.441 



32,859,132 



173.079 

733 

5,083 

7,122 



3,017 



1 Virginia and West Virginia populations by census of i860, as divided by counties in 1863. 

2 This gives colored troops enlisted in the States in rebellion; besides this, there vi^ere 92,576 
colored troops included (with the white soldiers) in the quotas of the several States. The third 
column gives the aggregate of colored, but many enlisted South were credited to Northern States. 

3 This is the aggregate of troops furnished for all periods of service, from three months to three 
years' time. Reduced to a uniform three-years' standard, the whole number of troops enlisted 
amounted to 2,320,272. 



404 



APPENDIX. 



BATTLES OF THE REBELLION. 



Date. 



1861. 

July 21 ! Bull Run, Va. 



Where Fought. 



Aug. lO. 
Oct. 21. 



Wilson's Creek, Mo. 
Ball's Bluff, Va 



1S62. 

Feb. 8 i Roanoke Island, N. C. 

Feb. 14,15, 16 Fort Donelson, Tenn... 
March 6-8 Pea Ridge, Ark 



April 6, 7. 



May 7.. 



Shiloh, Tenn. 



Williamsburg, Va. 



May 31 Fair Oaks, Va 

June 26 Wilderness 

Aug. 9 Cedar Mountain, Va. 



Aug. 30.. 
Sept. 14. 
Sept. 17. 

Oct. 3.... 

Oct. 8.... 
Dec. 13.. 
Dec. 28.. 
Dec. 31.- 



1863. 

May I 

May 1-4 

May 16 

May 17 

May 18 to \ 

July 4 I 

May 27 to "I 

July 9 J 

June 23-30 



July 1-3.., 
July 1-26., 
July 4 



Second Bull Run, Va. 
South Mountain, Md.. 
Antietam, Md 



Corinth, Miss 

Perryville, Ky 

Fredericksburg, Va. 

Vicksburg, Miss 

Stone River 



Port Gibson, Miss , 

Chancellorsville, Va 

Champion Hills, Miss.. 
Big Black River, Miss. 

Vicksburg, Miss 



Port Hudson, La.. 

Murfreesboro' to 

homa, Tenn 

Gettysburg, Pa 

Morgan's raid 

Helena, Ark 



Commanding Generals. 



Tulla- 



McDowell 

Lyon 

Col. C. P. Stone 

Burnside 

Grant 

Curtis 

Grant 

McClellan 

McClellan 

McClellan 

Banks 

Pope 

McClellan 

McClellan 

Rosecrans 

Buell 

Burnside 

Sherman 

Rosecrans 

Grant 

Hooker 

Grant 

Grant 

Grant 

Banks 

Rosecrans 

Meade 

Hobson 

Prentiss 



Confederate. 



Beauregard. 
McCuIloch. 
Evans. 



Wise. 
Pillow. 
Van Dorn. 

f A. S. John- 
\ ston. 
(, Beauregard. 

r J. E. John- 
\ ston. 
I J. E. John- 
\ ston. 
Lee. 
Jackson. 
Lee. 
Lee. 
Lee. 

f Price and 
\ Van Dorn . 
Bragg. 
Lee. 

Pemberton. 
Braee. 



Pemberton. 
Lee. 

Pemberton. 
Pemberton. 

Pemberton. 
Gardner. 

Bragg. 

Lee. 

Morgan. 

Holmes. 



APPENDIX. 
BATTLES OF THE REBELLION— Co«/z««^a'. 



405 



Date. 



1863. 

July 9-16 

Sept. 19, 20 

Oct. 27 

Nov. 7 

Nov. 23-25 

1S64. 

Feb. 20 

Aprils 

April 9 

May 5-7 

May 8-18 

May 12-16 

May 13-16 

May 16-30 

May 23-27 

May 25 to ■) 

June 4 J 

June 1-12 

June 9-30 

June 10 

June 15-19 

June 20-30 

June 22-23 

June 27 

July I to 31 

July 9 

July 20 

July 22 

July 24 

July 28 

Aug. 5-23 

Aug. 14-18 

Aug. 18-21 

Aug. 25 

Aug. 31 

May 5 to ") 
Sept. 8 / 

Sept. I to ■) 
Oct. 30.... j 



Where Fought. 



Jackson, Miss , 

Chickamauga, Ga... 
Wauhatchie, Tenn.. 
Rappahannock, Va. 
Chattanooga, Tenn.. 



Olustee, Fla 

Sabine Cross Roads, La 

Pleasant Hills, La 

Wilderness, Va 

Spottsylvania Court- )^ 

House, Va j 

Fort Darling, Va 

Resaca, Ga 

Bermuda Hundred, Va 

North Anna River, Va 

Dallas, Ga 

Cold Harbor, Va 

Kenesavv Mountain, Ga 

Brice's Cross Roads, Miss... 

Pe tersbu rg 

Petersburg 

Weldon R. R., Va 



Kenesaw Mountain, Ga.. 

Petersburg, Va 

Monocacy, Md 

Peach Tree Creek, Ga... 

Atlanta, Ga 

Winchester, Va 

Atlanta, Ga 



Mobile Harbor, Ala... 

Strawberry Plains, Va. 
Six Mile House, Va... 
Reams's Station, Va.. . 
Jonesboro', Ga 



Chattanooga to Atlanta, Ga. 



Petersburg, Va. 



Commanding Generals. 



Union. 



Sherman 

Rosecrans 

Thomas 

Meade 

Grant 

Seymour 

Banks , 

Banks 

Grant 

Grant 

Grant 

Sherman 

Grant 

Grant , 

Sherman , 

Grant 

Sherman , 

Sturgis 

Grant , 

Grant 

Grant 

Sherman 

Grant 

Wallace 

Sherman 

Sherman 

Crook 

Sherman 

Granger l 

Ad. Farragut J 

Grant 

Grant 

Grant 

Sherman 

Sherman 

Grant 



Confederate. 



Johnston. 

Bragg. 

Bragg. 

Lee. 

Bragg. 



Finnegan. 
Mouton. 
Mouton. 
Lee. 

Lee. 

Lee. 

Johnston. 
Lee. 
Lee. 

Johnston. 

Lee. 

Johnston. 

Forrest. 

Lee. 

Lee. 

Lee. 

/ J. E. John- 

\ ston. 

Lee. 

Early. 

Hood. 

Hood. 

Early. 

Hood. 

Buchanan. 

Lee. 
Lee. 
Lee. 
Hood. 

J. E. John- 
ston. 

Hood. 

Lee. 



4o6 APPENDIX. 

BATTLES OF THE REBELLION— Cow/mz/^^/. 



Date. 



1864. 

Sept. 19 

Sept. 22 

Sept. 23 

Sept. 26, 27... 
Sept. 28-30 .. 

Sept. 30 

Oct. 5 

Oct. 7 

Oct. 19 

Oct. 27 

Oct. 27, 28.... 

Nov. 30 

Dec. 10-21... 
Dec. 15, 16... 



1865. 

Jan. 13-15 

Feb. 5-7 

March 8-IO 

March 19-21... 

March 25 

March 22 to 
April 24 

March 31 

April I 

April 2 . , 

April 2 

April 3 

April 6 

April 6 



Where Fought. 



Commanding Generals. 



Union. Confederate. 



Opequan, or Winchester, Va, 

Fisher's Hill, Va.. 

Athens, Ala 

Pilot Knob, Mo 

New Market Heights, Va.... 

Prelile's Farm, Va 

Allatoona, Ga 

Darbytown Roads, Va 

Cedar Creek, Va 

Hatcher's Run, Va 

Fair Oaks, Va 

Franklin, Tenn 

Savannah, Ga 

Nashville, Tenn 



Fort Fisher, N. C... 
Hatcher's Run, Va 



Sheridan Early. 

Sheridan Early. 

Thomas Forrest. 

Ewing Price, 

Grant Lee. 

Grant Lee. 

Sherman Hood. 

Grant Lee. 

Sheridan Early. 

Grant 1 Lee. 

Giant Lee. 



Schofield. 
Sherman.. 
Thomas... 



Terry. 
Grant 



Wilcox Bridge, N. C ■ Schofield 



Bentonville, N. C 

Fort Steadman, Va 

Wilson's raid, Chickasaw "(^ 

to Macon, Ga j 

f Boydton and White Oak 

\ Roads, Va 

Five Forks, Va 

Selma, Ala 

Petersburg, Va .. 

Richmond, Va 

Sailor's Creek, Va 

High Bridge, Va 



Sherman 

Grant 

Wilson I Forrest 



Hood. 
Hood. 
Hood. 



Whiting. 

Lee. 

f J. E. John- 

\ ston. 

I J E. John- 

\ ston. 

Lee. 



April 9 Fort Blakely, Ala 



April 9 .. 
April 16. 
April 20. 

April 26. 

May 4 ... 
May 10.. 
May II.. 
May 26. . 



Appomattox, Va. 
Columbus, Ga.... 
Macon, Ga 



Raleigh, S. C 

Citronelle, Ala 

Tallahassee, Fla... 
Chalk Bluff, Ark.. 
New Orleans, La., 



Grant .... 

Sheridan. 
Wilson... 

Grant 

Grant 

Sheridan. 

Read 

Canby 

Grant 

Wilson... 
Wilson... 



Sherman.... 

Canby 

McCook 

Thompson 
Canby , 



Lee. 

Lee. 

Forrest. 

Lee. 

Lee. 

Ewell. 

Lee. 

Taylor. 

Lee. 

Forrest. 

Forrest. 

f J. E. John- 

\ ston, 

Taylor. 

Jones. 

Dodge. 

Smith. 



APPENDIX. 407 

In addition to the foregoing, there were many combats in which 
only a part of the army was engaged, and which are not reported 
as among the battles. 

GENERAL U. S. GRANT. 

Born April 27, 1822, at Mount Pleasant, Ohio. 

Cadet from July i, 1839, to July i, 1843. 

Brevet Second Lieutenant Fourth Infantry, July i, 1843. 

Second Lieutenant Fourth Infantry, September 30, 1845. 
First Lieutenant Fourth Infantry, September 16, 1847. 
Captain Fourth Infantry, August 5, 1853. 

Resigned July 31, 1854. 

Colonel Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers, June 17, 1861. 

Brigadier-General of Volunteers, to date May 17, 1861. 

Major-General of Volunteers, February 16, 1862. 

Major-General United States Army, July 4, 1863. 

Lieutenant-General United States Army, March 2, 1864. 

General United States Army, July 25, 1866. 

Secretary of War ad interim, Aug. 12, 1867, to Jan. 14, 1868. 

President of the United States, March 4, 1869, to March 4, 1877. 

Died at Mount McGregor, New York, July 23, 1885. 

This is, in brief, the history of one of the most illustrious men 
of this or any other age. He was irresistible alike in war and in 
peace, yet he went down into the valley of the shadow of death, and 
surrendered calmly to the Greater than he. Measuring him by his 
success, he was too great to eulogize. Peace was enthroned in his 
heart while he waged war; and great as were his battle-victories, 
greater far, and grander for himself and country, the achievements 
of his last days of heroic endurance, in which he spoke such words of 
reconciliation and won heart-victories. He lived to realize the full 
fruition of his own immortal prayer, "Let us have peace." And 
now, although removed from the scenes of his labors on earth, yet he 
is not dead, but lives, — lives in the nation's grandest history, — lives 
in the hearts and in the affections of the American people. 

Live on, then, brave soldier, 
In the nation's proudest annals, 
In the people's warmest hearts ! 
Great in courage, noble in truth, 
Pure as the sunlight in soul ; 
Dead, but imperishable ! 



4o8 



APPENDIX. 



SECRETARIES OF WAR FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE 
GOVERNMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME. 



1. Henry Knox Sept. 12 

Henry Knox March 4 

2. Timothy Pickering Jan. 2 

3. James McHenry Jan. 27 

James McHenry March 4 

4. Samuel Dexter May 13 

5. Roger Griswold Feb. 3 

6. Henry Dearborn March 5, 

Henry Dearborn March 5, 

7. William Eustis March 7 

8. John Armstrong Jan. 13 

John Armstrong March 4 

9. James Monroe Sept. 27 

10. William H. Crawford Aug. i 

11. George Graham Ad interim 

12. John C. Calhoun Oct. 

John C. Calhoun March 5 

13. James Barbour March 7 

14. Peter B. Porter May 26, 

15. John H.Eaton March 9 

16. Lewis Cass.. Aug. i 

Lewis Cass March 4 

17. Joel R. Poinsett March 7 

18. John Bell March 5 

John Bell April 6 

19. John C. Spencer Oct. 12 

20. James M. Porter March 8 

21. William Wilkins Feb. 15, 

22. William L. Marcy March 6 

23. George W. Crawford March 8 

24. Charles M. Conrad Aug. 15 

25. Jefferson Davis March 5 

26. John B. Floyd March 6 

27. Joseph Holt Jan. 18 

28. Simon Cameron March 5 

29. Edwin M.Stanton Jan. 15 

Edwin M. Stanton March 4 

Edwin M. Stanton April 15 

Ulysses S. GY3.nt, ad inten'/n Aug. 12 

Lorenzo Thomas, ad interim Feb. 21 

30. John M. Schofield May 28 

31. John A. Rawlins March 11 

32. William W. Belknap Oct. 25 

William W. Belknap March 4 

■^T). AlphonsoTaft March 8 

34. James D. Cameron May 22 

35. George W. McCrary March 12 

36. Alexander Ramsey Dec. 10 

37. Robert T. Lincoln March 5 

38. W. C. Endicott March 4 



789. 
793- 
795. 
796. 

797- 
800. 
801. 
801. 
805. 
809. 
813. 
813. 
814. 

815. 

817. 
821. 
825. 
828. 
829. 
831. 
833- 
837. 
841, 
841. 
841. 
843- 
844. 
845. 
849. 
850. 

853- 
857. 
861. 
861. 
862. 
865. 
865. 
867. 
868. 
868. 
869. 
869. 

873- 
876. 
876. 
877. 
879. 
881. 
885. 



APPENDIX. 



409 



PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. 

No. Name. Qualified 

1. George "Washington April 30, 

2. George Washington March 4, 

John Adams March 4, 

3. Thomas Jefferson.. March 4, 

Thomas Jefferson March 4, 

4. James Madison March 4, 

James Madison March 4, 

5. James Monroe March 4, 

James Monroe March 5, 

6. John Quincy Adams March 4, 

7. Andrew Jackson March 4, 

Andrew Jackson March 4, 

8. Martin "Van Buren March 4, 

9. "William H.Harrison* March 4, 

10. John Tyler April 6, 

11. James K. Polk March 4, 

12. Zachary Taylor* March 5, 

13. Millard Fillmore July 9, 

14. Franklin Pierce March 4, 

15. James Buchanan March 4, 

16. Abraham Lincoln.; March 4, 

Abraham Lincoln* March 4, 

17. Andrew Johnson April 15, 

18. Ulysses S. Grant March 4, 

Ulysses S. Grant March 4, 

19. Rutherford B. Hayes March 5, 

20. James A. Garfield* March 4, 

21. Chester A. Arthur Sept. 20, 

22. Grover Cleveland March 4, 

* Died in office. 



789. 

793- 
797- 
801. 
805. 
809. 
813. 
817. 
821. 
825. 
829. 
833- 
837- 
841. 
841. 

845. 
849. 
850. 
853- 
857. 
861. 
865. 
865. 
869. 

873- 
877. 
881. 
881. 
885. 



LIST OF THE UNITED STATES AND TERRITORIES, SHOWING 
THE AREA OF EACH IN SQUARE MILES AND IN ACRES; 
DATE OF ADMISSION OF NEW STATES INTO THE UNION. 



The Thirteen Original 

States. 


Ratified the 
Constitution. 


Area of the Original States. 


In Square Miles. 


In Acres. 


New Hampshire 


June 21, 1788 
Feb. 6, 1788 
May 29, 1790 
Jan. 9, 1788 
July 26, 1788 
Dec. 18, 1787 
Dec. 12, 1787 
Dec 7 17S7 


9,305 
8,315 
1,250 
4,990 
49,170 
7,815 

45,215 
r> rtcn 


5,955,200 
5,321,600 

Soo,ooo 
3,193,600 

31,468,800 
5,001,600 

28,937,600 
1,312,000 
7,814,400 

27,168,000 

33,440,000 

19,564,800 
38,064,000 


Rhode Island 


Connecticut 


New York 




Pennsylvania 


Delaware 


Maryland 


April 28, 17S8 12,210 
June 25, 1788 A-? ACn 




North Carolina 


Nov. 21, 1789 
May 23, 1788 
Jan. 2, 1788 


52,250 
30,570 
59,475 


South Carolina 


Georgia 





4IO 



APPENDIX. 
STATES ADMITTED. 



Name. 


Act Admitting 
State. 


Admission 
Took Eflfect. 


Area of Admitted 
States and Territories. 


In Square 
Miles. 


In Acres. 

25,856,000 
6,121,600 
26,912,000 
26,278,400 
31,180,800 
23,264,000 
29,958,400 
36,256,000 

. 33,440,000 
21,145,600 
44,425,600 
34,464,000 
37,705,600 
37,555,200 
35,856,000 

170,099,200 
35,865,000 

101,350,400 
53,353.600 
61,459,200 
52,531,200 1 
15,859,200 
70,848,000 
49,187,200 
66,512,000 




Feb. 4, 1791 
Feb. 18, 1 79 1 
June I, 1796 
April 30, 1802 
April 8, 18 1 2 
Dec. II, 1816 
Dec. 10, 1817 
Dec. 3, 1818 
Dec. 14, 1819 
Mar. 3, 1820 
Mar. 2, 1821 
June 15, 1836 
Jan. 26, 1837 
Mar. 3, 1845 
Mar. 3, 1845 
Mar. I, 1845 
Mar. 3, 1847 
Sept. 9, 1850 
May 4, 1858 
Feb. 14, 1859 
Jan. 29, 1861 
Dec. 31, 1862 
Mar. 21, 1864 
Feb. 9, 1867 
Mar. 3, 1875 


June I, 1792 
Mar. 4, 1 79 1 
June I, 1796 
Nov. 29, 1802 
April 30, 18 1 2 
Dec. II, 1816 
Dec. 10, 1817 
Dec. 3, 1818 
Dec. 14, 1819 
Mar. 15, 1820 
Aug. 10, 182 1 
June 15, 1836 
Jan. 26, 1837 
Mar. 3, 1845 
Dec. 28, 1846 
Dec. 29, 1845 
May 29, 1848 
Sept. 9, 1850 
May II, 1858 
Feb. 14, 1859 
Jan. 29, 1861 
June 19, 1863 
Oct. 31, 1864 
Mar. I, 1867 
Aug. I, 1876 


40,400 

9.565 
42,050 
41,060 
48,720 
36,350 
46,810 
56,650 
52,250 
33.040 
69,415 
53.850 

58,915 
58,680 
56,025 

265,780 
56,040 

158,360 

83,365 
96,030 
82,080 
24,780 
110,700 

76,855 
103,925 






Ohio 




Indiana 




Alabama , 








Florida 


Iowa 

Texas 























ORGANIZED TERRITORIES. 



Territories. 



New Mexico 

Utah 

Washington 

Dakota 

Arizona 

Idaho 

Montana 

Wyoming 

Indian' 

District of Columbia'... \ 

Alaska 



Act Organizing 
Territory. 



Sept. 

Sept. 

March 

March 

Feb. 

March 

May 

July 

June 
July 
March 

July 



1850 
, 1850 

1853 
1861 
, 1863 
, 1863 
, 1864 
, 1 868 

,1834 
, 1790 

. 1791 
, 1868 



Area of the Territories. 



In Square Miles. 

122,580 

84,970 

69,180 
149,100 
113,020 

84,800 
146,080 

97,890 

64,690 

-70 
577,390 



1,509,770 



In Acres. 



78,451,200 
54,380,800 
44,275,200 
95,424,000 
72,332,800 
54,272,000 
93,491,200 
62,649,600 
41,401,600 

44,800 

365,529,600 



1 No Territorial government. 

2 Reduced from 100 to 70 square miles by recession of part to Virginia in 1846. 

The whole area of the Stales and Territories, including water-surface of lakes and rivers, is 
nearly equal to four million square miles. 



APPENDIX. 



411 



Alaska ceded by Russia to the United States, June 20, 1867. 

Black Hawk War with the Winnebagoes, 1832. 

Braddock's defeat at Monongahela, July 9, 1755. 

Brown, John, executed at Charlestown, Va. , December 2, 1859. 

Canby, Brig. -Gen. Edward R. S., born 1819, murdered by Modoc 
Indians April 11, 1873, while holding conference. 

City of Mexico captured by General Scott, September 14, 1847. 

Creek War in Georgia, 1836. 

Crook, Brevet Maj.-Gen. George, born September 8, 1828. 

Custer, Gen. George A., massacred with three hundred and sixty- 
five men of the Seventh Cavalry, July 25, 1876. 

DoNELSON, Fort, Tenn., surrendered to General U. S. Grant, Feb- 
uary 16, 1862. 

Emancipation Proclamation, January i, 1863. 

Erie, battle of Lake, Com. Perry's victory, September 10, 1813. 

Fenian raids into Canada, May 31, 1866, and resumed February 
3, 1870. 

Flag, American, first used by Washington at Cambridge, Janu- 
ary I, 1776, and legally established by Congress, June 14, 1777. 

Florida acquired from Spain, February 22, 1819. 

Florida, war with Seminoles, 1835-1842. 

Fugitive-Slave law passed Congress, September 12, 1850. 

Gibbon, Brevet Maj.-Gen. John, born 1826. 

Gold discovered in California, 1848. 

Hancock, Maj.-Gen. W. S., born February 14, 1824, died Febru- 
ary 9, 1886. 

Harper's Ferry, John Brown's insurrection, October 16, 1859. 

Howard, Maj.-Gen. O. O., born November 8, 1830. 

Johnson, Andrew, born December 29, 1808, died July 31, 1875. 

Lee's surrender to General Grant at Appomattox, April 12, 
1865. 

Lincoln, President Abraham, born February 12, 1809, assassi- 
nated April 15, 1865. 

Louisiana acquired from France, April 30, 1803. 

Mexico, war with declared by Congress, May 13, 1846, closed 
February 2, 1848. 

Military Academy, West Point, founded by Congress, March 16, 
1802. 



412 



APPENDIX. 



Miles, Brevet Maj.-Gen. N. A., born August 8, 1839. 

Missouri Compromise, restricting slavery to south of 36° 30', passed 

March 3, 1820, and repealed May 24, 1854. 
Modoc War in California begun November 29, 1872. 
Mormons arrive at Salt Lake Valley, Utah, July 24, 1847, having 

been driven from Nauvoo, 111. 
Napoleon I. proclaimed emperor May 18, 1804. Abdicated after 

Waterloo, June 22, 1815. 
Napoleon III. elected President French Republic, December 10, 

1848. Proclaimed emperor December 2, 1852. Deposed and 

Republic proclaimed September 4, 1870. 
Naval Academy at Annapolis, October 10, 1845. 
New Orleans, battle of, Jackson defeated British, January 15, 

181 5 ; captured by Farragut, April 26, 1862. 
Nullification Ordinance passed by South Carolina, November 

19, 1832. 
Philadelphia founded by William Penn, 1682. 
Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Mass., December 21, 1620. 
Pope, Maj.-Gen. John, born March 16, 1823. 
Potter, Brig. -Gen. J. H., born October, 1822. 
Republican Party, first convention, Pittsburg, Pa., February 22, 

1856. 
Resumption of specie payments in United States, act approved 

January 14, 1875, ^'^^ took effect January i, 1879. 
Revolutionary War beginning with battle of Lexington, April 

19, 1775. Last battle, Combahee, August 27, 1782. Prelimi- 
nary treaty of peace, November 30, 1782. 
Richmond, Va., evacuated by the Confederates, April 3, 1865. 
Ruger, Brig. -Gen. Thomas H., born April 2, 1833. 
Savannah — First steamer crossed the Atlantic, twenty-five days 

from Savannah to Liverj^ool, May 24, 1819. 
ScHOFiELD, Maj.-Gen. J. M., born September 29, 1831. 
Scott, Brevet Lieut. -Gen. Winfield, born June 13, 1786, died 

May 29, 1866. 
Seminole War, first in Georgia, 181 7-1 81 8; then in Florida, 1835- 

1842. 
Sheridan, Lieut. -Gen. Philip H., born March 6, 1831. 
Sherman, General W. T., born February 8, 1820. 



APPENDIX. 



413 



Sioux War in Minnesota, 1862-1863. 

Smith, Joseph, Mormon leader, killed at Carthage, 111,, June 27, 

1844. 
Stanley, Brevet Maj.-Gen. D. S., born June i, 1828. 
Sumter, Fort, captured by Confederates, April 14, 1861. 
Terry, Maj.-Gen. Alfred H., born November 10, 1827. 
Texas annexed as State by act of Congress, March i, 1845. 
Thomas, Maj.-Gen. George H., born July 31, 1816, died March 

28, 1870. 
Tripoli War with United States, 1803-1805. 
Union of England and Scotland, 1707; of Great Britain and 

Ireland, 1800. 
ViCKSBURG surrendered July 4, 1863. 
War with Great Britain declared June 19, 1812; ended by 

treaty of Ghent, February 18, 1815. 
Washington inaugurated first President, April 30, 1789. 
Waterloo, battle of, June 18, 1815. 
YoRKTOWN, surrender of Cornwallis to Washington, October 19, 

1781. 

CASUALTIES AMONG GENERALS IN THE ARMY OF THE RE- 
PUBLIC AND IN THE REBEL CONFEDERACY. 

Federals. 
Bayard, G. D., brigadier- general, killed at Fredericksburg. 
Berry, H. G., major-general, killed at Chancellorsville. 
Boomer, George, brigadier-general, killed at Vicksburg. 
Bidwell, D. D., brigadier-general, killed at Cedar Creek. 
Bohlen, H., brigadier-general, killed at Rappahannock Ford. 
Burnham, Hiram, brigadier-general, killed at Chapin's Farm. 
Cochran, Michael, brigadier-general, killed at Fairfax Court- 

House. 
Farnsworth, E. J., brigadier-general, killed at Gettysburg. 
Hackelman, P. A., brigadier-general, killed at Corinth. 
Harker, Charles G., brigadier-general, killed at Kenesaw Mountain. 
Howell, J. B., brigadier-general, killed at Petersburg. 
Jackson, C. F. , brigadier-general, killed at Fredericksburg. 
Jackson, James F., brigadier-general, killed at Perryville. 



414 



APPENDIX. 



Kearney, Phil., major-general, killed at Chantilly. 

Kirby, E., brigadier-general, killed at Chancellorsville. 

Kirk, E. N., brigadier-general, killed at Stone River. 

Lander, F. W. , brigadier-general, killed at Edward's Ferry. 

Lyon, Nathaniel, brigadier-general, killed at Wilson's Creek. 

Lytle, William H., brigadier-general, killed at Chickamauga. 

Mansfield, J. K. T., major-general, killed at Antietam. 

McCook, Daniel, brigadier-general, killed at Kenesaw Mountain. 

McCook, Robert L., brigadier-general, murdered by guerillas. 

McPherson, J. B., major-general, killed at Atlanta. 

Nelson, William, major-general, killed by General Davis, September 

29, 1862. 
Patterson, F. E., brigadier-general, accidentally killed November, 

1862. 
Reno, J. L., brigadier-general, killed at South Mountain. 
Reynolds, J. F., brigadier-general, killed at Gettysburg. 
Rodman, Isaac P., brigadier-general, killed at Antietam. 
Sedgwick, John, major-general, killed at Spottsylvania. 
Sill, Joshua W., brigadier-general, killed at Stone River. 
Smyth, Thomas A., brigadier-general, killed at Farmville, Virginia. 
Stevens, Isaac I., major-general, killed at Chantilly. 
Strong, G. C, brigadier-general, killed at Morris Island. 
Taylor, G. W., brigadier-general, killed at Manassas. 
Terrill, W. K., brigadier-general, killed at Perryville, Kentucky. 
Wallace, W. H. L., brigadier-general, killed at Shiloh. 
Weed, S. H., brigadier-general, killed at Gettysburg. 
Whipple, A. W., major-general, killed at Chancellorsville. 
Williams, Thomas, brigadier-general, killed at Baton Rouge. 
Zook, S. K., brigadier-general, killed at Gettysburg. 

The following died during the war, but not of wounds : 
Buford, John, major-general, died December, 1863. 
Cooper, James, brigadier-general, died March 28, 1863. 
Jameson, C. D., brigadier-general, died November, 1862. 

Jennesen, O. C, brigadier-general, died 

Keim, W. H., brigadier-general, died May 18, 1862. 
Mitchell, O. M., major-general, died October 30, 1862. 
Plummer, Joseph B., brigadier-general, died August 9, 1862. 



APPENDIX. 41 5 

Smith, C. F., major-general, died April 25, 1862. 
Sumner, E. V., major-general, died March 21, 1863. 
Walsh, Thomas, brigadier-general, died 

The above list is necessarily imperfect, as I have been compelled 
to rely solely upon memory or such newspaper slips as I preserved 
during the war. But the list of the rebel generals is complete, and 
for which I am indebted to the kindness and courtesy of Colonel 
Robert N. Scott, United States army, in charge of the rebellion 
records. 

Rebel General Officers. 

Adams, John, brigadier-general, killed November 30, 1864, at 

Franklin, Tennessee. 
Anderson, George T., brigadier-general, died October 16, 1862, 

of wounds received at Sharpsburg. 
Archer, James J., brigadier-general, died October 24, 1864. 
Armistead, Louis A., brigadier-general, killed July 2, 1863, at 

Gettysburg. 
Ashby, Turner, brigadier-general, killed June 6, 1862. 
Baldwin, William E., brigadier-general, died February 19, 1864. 
Barksdale, William, brigadier-general, killed July i, 1863, at Get- 
tysburg. 
Bartow, F. S., brigadier-general, killed July 21, 1861, at Bull Run. 
Bee, Barnard E., brigadier-general, killed July 21, i86i,atBull Run. 
Bowen, John S., major-general, died July 16, 1863. 
Branch, L. O'B., brigadier-general, killed September 17, 1862, at 

Sharpsburg. 
Carter, John C, brigadier-general, killed November 30, 1864, at 

Franklin. 
Chambliss, J. R., Jr., brigadier-general, killed August 16, 1864. 
Cleburne, P. R., major-general, killed November 30, 1864, at 

Franklin. 
Cobb, T. R. R., brigadier-general, killed December 13, 1862, at 

Fredericksburg. 
Daniel, Junius, brigadier-general, died May 12, 1864, of wounds. 
Dearing, James, brigadier-general, killed April 6, 1865, at High 

Bridge, Virginia. 



41 6 APPENDIX. 

Deshler, James, brigadier-general, killed September 20, 1863, at 
Chickamauga. 

Doles, George, brigadier-general, killed May 30, 1864, at Bethesda 
Church. 

Donelson, D. S., major-general, died April 17, 1863. 

Duncan, J. K. , brigadier-general, died December 18, 1862. 

Dunovant, John, brigadier-general, killed October i, 1864. 

Garland, S., Jr., brigadier-general, killed September 14, 1862, at 
South Mountain. 

Garnett, Richard B., brigadier-general, killed July 2, 1863, at Get- 
tysburg. 

Garnett, Robert S., brigadier-general, killed July 13, 1861, at Rich 
Mountain. 

Garrott, I. W., brigadier-general, killed June 17, 1863, at Vicks- 
burg. 

Girardy, V. J. B., brigadier-general, killed August 16, 1864, at 
Petersburg. 

Gist, S. R., brigadier-general, killed November 30, 1864, at 
Franklin. 

Gladden, A. H., brigadier-general, killed April 6, 1862, at 
Shiloh. 

Godwin, A. C., brigadier-general, killed September 19, 1864, at 
Winchester. 

Gordon, James B., brigadier-general, killed May 11, 1864, at Yel- 
low Tavern. 

Gracie, A., Jr., brigadier-general, killed December 2, 1864, at 
Petersburg. 

Granbury, H. B., brigadier-general, killed November 30, 1864, at 
Franklin. 

Grayson, J. B., brigadier-general, died October 21, 1861. 

Green, M. E., brigadier-general, killed June 27, 1863, at Vicks- 
burg. 

Green, Thomas, brigadier-general, killed April 12, 1864, at Bayou 
Prerie. 

Gregg, John, brigadier-general, killed October 7, 1864, at Peters- 
burg. 

Gregg, Maxey, brigadier-general, killed December — , 1862, at 
Fredericksburg. 



APPENDIX. 



417 



Griffith, Richard, brigadier-general, killed June 29, 1862, at Savage 
Station. 

Hanson, R. W., brigadier-general, killed December 31, 1862, at 
Murfreesboro'. 

Hatton, Robert, brigadier-general, killed June i, 1862, at Edward's 
Farm. 

Helm, B. H., brigadier-general, killed September 19, 1863, at 
Chickamauga. 

Hill, A. P., lieutenant-general, killed April 2, 1865. 

Hogg, J. L., brigadier-general, died May 16, 1862. 

Jackson, T. J., lieutenant-general, died May 10, 1863, of wounds 
received at Chancellorsville. 

Jenkins, M., brigadier-general, killed May 6, 1864, in the Wilder- 
ness. 

Johnston, A. S., general, killed April 6, 1862, at Shiloh. 

Jones, D. R., major-general, died January 11, 1863. 

Jones, J. M., brigadier-general, killed May 10, 1864, near Spottsyl- 
vania. 

Jones, W. E., brigadier-general, killed June 5, 1864, at Mount 
Crawford. 

Kelly, J. H., brigadier-general, killed September 2, 1864, near 
Franklin, Tennessee. 

Little, Henry, brigadier-general, killed September 19, 1862, at 
luka. 

McCulloch, Ben., brigadier-general, killed March 7, 1862, at Elk 
Horn. 

Mcintosh, James, brigadier-general, killed May 7, 1S62, at Pea 
Ridge. 

Morgan, J. H., brigadier-general, killed September 3, 1864, at 
Greenville, Tennessee. 

Mouton, Alfred, brigadier-general, killed April 9, 1864, near Mans- 
field, Louisiana. 

Paxton, E. F., brigadier-general, killed May 3, 1863, at Chancel- 
lorsville. 

Pegram, John, major-general, died February 6, 1865, of wounds 
received at Hatcher's Run. 

Pender, W. D., major-general, died July 18, 1863, of wounds re- 
ceived at Gettysburg. 



41 8 APPENDIX. 

Perrin, Abner, brigadier-general, killed May 12, 1864, at Spott- 

sylvania. 
Pettigrew, J. J., brigadier-general, died July 18, 1863, of wounds 

received at Falling Waters. 
Polk, Leonidas, lieutenant-general, killed June 14, 1864, at Pine 

Mountain. 
Posey, Carnot, brigadier-general, died November 15, 1863, of 

wounds received at Bristoe Station. 
Rains, J. E., brigadier-general, killed December 31, 1862, at 

Murfreesboro'. 
Ramseur, S. D., major-general, killed October 19, 1864, at Cedar 

Creek. 
Rodes, R. E., major-general, killed September 19, 1864, at Win- 
chester. 
Scurry, W. R., brigadier-general, killed April 30, 1864, at Jenkins 

Ferry. 
Semmes, P. J., brigadier-general, died , of wounds received at 

Gettysburg. 
Slack, W. Y. , brigadier-general, killed March 6, 1862, at Pea 

Ridge. 
Smith, Preston, brigadier-general, killed September 20, 1863, at 

Chickamauga. 
Smith, W. D., brigadier-general, died October 4, 1862. 
Stafford, L. A, brigadier-general, died May 8, 1864, of wounds 

received at Wilderness. 
Starke, W. E., brigadier-general, killed September 17, 1862, at 

Sharpsburg. 
Stevens, C. H., brigadier-general, killed July 20, 1864, at Peach 

Tree Creek. 
Strahl, O. F., brigadier-general, killed November 30, 1864, at 

Franklin. 
Stuart, J. E. B., major-general, died May 12, 1864, of wounds 

received at Yellow Tavern. 
Terrill, J. B., brigadier-general, killed May 30, 1864. 
Terry, William R., brigadier-general, killed March 25, 1865, at 

Fort Stedman, 
Tilghman, L,, brigadier-general, killed May 16, 1863, at Baker's 

Creek. 



APPENDIX. 



419 



Tracy, E. D., brigadier-general, killed May i, 1863, at Port 

Gibson. 
Twiggs, D. E., major-general, died July 15, 1862. 
Tyler, Charles H., brigadier-general, killed April 16, 1865, at 

West Point, Georgia. 
Van Dorn, Earl, major-general, killed May 8, 1863. 
Villepique, J. B., brigadier-general, died November 9, 1862. 
Walker, L. M., brigadier-general, killed in duel. 
Walker, W. H. T., major-general, killed July 22, 1864, near 

Atlanta. 
Whiting, W. H. C., major-general, died March 10, 1865, of wounds 

received at Fort Fisher. 
Wilson, C. C., brigadier-general, died November 24, 1863. 
Winder, C. S., brigadier-general, killed August 9, 1862, at Cedar 

Mountain. 
Winder, John H., brigadier-general, died February 7, 1865. 
Zollicoffer, F. K., brigadier-general, killed January 19, 1862, at 

Fishing Creek. 



Hastings, July 6, 1886. 
My dear General Johnson : 

The proof-sheet received and read. Please accept my thanks 
for your kindly mention, but you give me credit overmuch. If 
not beyond your control, could you not have the text changed, so 
as to express the exact truth, which was that I found a scow in 
process of construction on the banks of the Tennessee River when I 
arrived there with General Hooker's command, which, as you of 
course know, was sent from the Army of the Potomac to the assistance 
of Rosecrans ? Our first duty being to secure the long line of com- 
munication between Nashville and Chattanooga, and to do what- 
ever might be done to forward supplies to the famishing army at 
Chattanooga, Rosecrans, with prudent forethought, had ordered 
the construction of five steamers on the Tennessee, and the repair 
of the railroad, two very important bridges of which had been 
destroyed by the rebels, one across the Tennessee and one over 



420 



APPENDIX. 



the Rolling Stone, half-way between Bridgeport and Chattanooga. 
One of these flat-bottomed steam scows had been put on some posts 
and blocking near the bank of the river, and the work was prose- 
cuted by a very competent ship-carpenter by the name of Turner, 
who was employed by Captain Edwards, A.Q.M. The timbers 
and lumber for the boats had to be made from the stump, and it 
was with difficulty that the machinery was shipped over the rail- 
road from Nashville, as every engine and car was needed to trans- 
port rations. When the rains and rebel cavalry had made the 
wagon-road on the north side of the river impassable, rapid build- 
ing of the steamboat became of the highest importance. I took 
personal supervision of the work, and crowded it forward night as 
well as day, saving the hull from destruction by floating it upon 
pontoons, and navigated it, as you describe, to Kelly's Ferry, with 
the first cargo of rations to reach the starving army. But for my 
action it is quite safe to say this boat would not have been launched 
for some weeks after it was, if at all, and certainly could not have 
contributed, as it did materially, to the success of our efforts to 
secure possession of that very important strategic position, Chatta- 
nooga. 

General Rosecrans has not received the credit due him for his 
skilful conduct of the campaign. He foresaw the probable need of 
river transportation, and, so far as giving orders, provided for the 
emergency. Had those intrusted with the execution of these 
orders pushed through their work more energetically, and had the 
boats ready for use when needed, great loss of animals and distress 
of men would have been saved, and Rosecrans would have retained 
his position as commander of the Army of the Cumberland. The 
unfriendliness of Assistant Secretary Dana and the impatience of 
Secretary Stanton secured his downfall. 

Respectfully, etc., 

Wm. G. Le Due. 



INDEX. 



A. 

Absent from tattoo, 27. 
Adams, Gen. John, 286. 
Alden, Capt. B. R., 30. 
Allen, Moon & Co., 357. 
Alvord, Cadet C. B., 30, 38. 
American politics, 397. 
Anderson, Gen. Robert, 170. 
Anderson, Col. Chas, 205, 207. 
Andrews, Gen. C. C, 348. 
Appointed adjutant, 80. 
Appointed brigadier-general of volun- 
teers, 179. 
Appointment to West Point, 18. 
Arnold, Lieut. A. K., 151. 
Arrival at Carlisle Barracks, 158. 
Arrival at home, 34. 
Arrival at Louisville, 175. 
Arrival at Fort Snelling, 38. 
Arrival at West Point, 19. 
Arrival in Havana, 151. 
Arrival in New York, 156. 
Arrival of King Borealis, 383. 
Assassination of President Lincoln, 323. 
Atkins, Com. J. D. C, 145, 147. 
Attachments between classmates, 25. 
Atwater, Isaac, 385. 
Atwater, John B., 385. 
Auerbach, Finch & Van Slyke, 357. 
Averill, Gen. J. T., 349. 
Ayers, Cadet R. B., 20. 
Ayers, Lieut., 263. 



Backus, Lieut.-Col., 66. 
Bailey, Prof. J. W., 31. 
Bainbridge, Lieut.-Col. H., 76, 78, 79, 

80, 91. 
Baird, A., 30, 37, 229, 230, 311. 
Baker, Gen. J, H., 349. 
Baker, Lieut. Chas. T., 30. 
Banning, Hon. W. L., 358. 
Bartlett, Prof. W. H. C, 31. 
Barton, S. M., 30, 38, 59, 80, 90. 
Battle of Chickamauga, 227, 228. 
Beale, Lieut., 129. 
Beatty, Gen. S., 229, 230. 
Beaupre Sc Keogh, 357. 
Beauregard, P. G. T., 168, 169. 
Becker, Gen. Geo. L., 369. 
Bell, Robert, 272. 
Benny Havens, 263. 
Berkey, Peter, 357. 
Berry, Col. W. W., 205, 207, 318. 
Benet, S. V., 30, 37. 
Bigelow, Horace R., 357. 
Birth, date and place, 10. 
Bishop, Gen. J. W., 347. 
Blakely, Hon. R., 358. 
Bohan, Lieut. John, 259. 
Borgesrode, Col. R., 348. 
Boussey, Drum-Major, 20. 
Brackett, Col. A. B., 350. 
Braden, W. H., 377. 
Bradfute, Capt. W. R., 102. 

421 



422 



INDEX. 



Bragg, Gen. Braxton, 194, 195, 203. 
Brewerton, Capt. H., 31. 
Brisbin, John B., 357. 
Brisbine, Dr. A. G., 390. 
Bryan, Cadet E. B., 28. 
Buckner, Gen. S. B., 175, 184. 
Buell, D. C, 184, 185, 188. 
Buffalo, extinction of, 122. 
Buffalo, harnessed, 127. 
Bull-fighting, 68. 
Bull Run, battle of, 170. 
Bullitt, Joshua F., 268. 
Burger, Capt. J., 377. 



Caldwell, Capt. J. N., 79. 

Camels introduced in United States, 

130. 
Cameron, Simon, Secretary of War, 160. 
Camp, 78. 
Camp-stove, 105. 

Captain-General's garden, visit to, 154. 
Capture of Corinth, 193. 
Carlin, Gen. W. P., 225, 240, 241, 242, 

245> 310- 
Carpenter, Capt. S. D., 79. 
Carr, Lieut. E. A., 84. 
Castor, Lieut. T. F., 41. 
Cathcart, A. H., 357. 
Cause of the Mexican war, 61. 
Chambliss, Lieut. W. P., 97, 98. 
Chandler, J. A., 369. 
Changes in style, 92. 
Cheatham, Gen. B. F., 211. 
Cholera in Nashville, 305. 
Church, Prof. A. E., 31. 
Chute, Col. Richard, 385. 
Chute, Dr. S. H., 385. 
Cigar-making, 155. 
Circus in Owensboro', 35. 
Clark, D. D., 30, 38. 
Clark, Hon. Greenleaf, 359. 
Clarke, Lieut. H. F., 32. 
Clarke, Lieut. F. N., 21. 



Climate of Minnesota, 379. 

Cogswell, Milton, 30, 38. 

Columbia, 342. 

Colville, Col. William, 347. 

Conch-shell, 15. 

Conkling, Roscoe, 191. 

Coon- and possum-hunting, 17. 

Cooper, Hon. D.,365. 

Cooper, Surg. G. E., 85. 

Corn-husking, 17. 

Corn-songs, 17. 

Court of Inquiry, 197. 

Crafton, Col. R. E. A., 304. 

Crittenden, Cadet Lieut. W. L., 23. 

Crittenden, Gen. T. L., 203, 204, 228, 

247, 319- 
Crooks, Col. William, 348, 376. 
Gumming, A., 38. 
Custer, Gen. G. A., 334. 



Dana, Gen. N. J. T., 347. 

Davant, Lieut. W. M., 84. 

Davidson, W. F., 358. 

Davis, Gen. J. C, 206, 209, 257, 283, 

314- 
Davis, Lieut. Edward, 235. 
Davis, Mrs. B. O., 235. 
Davis, Jeff., Sec. of War, 129. 
Dawson, Smith & Scheffer, 357. 
Day, Dr. David, 398. 
Dayton, Lyman C, 390. 
Death of parents, 17. 
Deaton, Capt. E. F., 258. 
De Lano, H. F., 30, 37. 
Delay in Pittsburg, 33. 
Denman, Lieut., F. J., 79, 80. 
Dickey, Col. M. R., 180. 
Disloyalty in Nashville, 185. 
Dodge, Col. J. B., 213, 226. 
Donan, Col. Pat., 344. 
Donnelly, Lieut.-Gov. I., 351. 
Drake, Hon. E. F., 356, 369. 



INDEX. 



423 



Drake, Maj. Lewis, 180. 
Drury, Capt. L. H., 258. 
Du Barry, Beckman, 30, 37. 
Dudley, Capt. Ethalbert, 268. 
Duncan, J. K., 38. 
Dunkers of Pennsylvania, 159. 



Early memory, 9. 

Edgerton, E. S., 357, 374. 

Edwards, Capt. J. E., 259. 

Elliott, Gen. W. L., 335. 

Ellis, Capt. E. C, 230. 

Emory, Maj. W. H., 96. 

English, T. C, 30, 38. 

Erwin, W. W., 359. 

Evans, Lieut. N. G., loi, 102, 103. 

Evans, Maj. J. D., 181. 

Execution of spies, 222, 223. 



Family visits Kentucky, 162. 

Farrington, John, 390. 

Feed your enemies, 260. 

Felix the dog, 43. 

Field, C. W., 30, 33, 34, 37, 100. 

Finch, George R., 383. 

Finnell, Gen. J. W., 234. 

First encampment, 21. 

First legislature, 365. 

First lesson in writing, 13. 

Flandrau, Hon. C. E., 357, 373. 

Flirtation Walk, 25. 

Floyd, Gen. J. B., 184, 185. 

Forbes, W. H., 390. 

Forepaugh.J. L., 357. 

Forrest, Gen. N. B., 335, 

Fort Duncan, how situated, 61. 

Fourth great-grandfather, 10. 

Eraser, J. W., 38. 

From West Point to New York, 33. 

Fry, Gen. J. B., 247 



G. 

Gambling in Mexico, 67. 

Game around Fort Terrett, 81. 

Gardener, J. W. L., 41. 

Garlington, Lieut. E. A., 315, 316. 

Garrard, General K., 335. 

Gear, Chap. E. G., 41. 

George, Gen. James, 347. 

Gibson, Col. W. H., 180, 188, 213, 

215, 316. 
Gilfillan, Col. James, 349. 
Gillmore, Cadet Q. A., 30, 37. 
Goodrich, Hon. A., 357, 365. 
Gorman, Gen. W. A., 347. 
Granger, Capt. R. S., 79, 149. 
Granger, Maj. -Gen. Gordon, 239. 
Grant, Gen. U. S., 184, 190, 191, 246, 

309- 
Greeley, Horace, 394. 
Greely, Lieut. A. W.,316. 
Green, Hon. Willis, 19. 
Green, D. C, 30, 38. 
Greene, Lieut. O. D., 103, 104. 
Grierson, Gen. B. H., 335. 
Grigg & Co., 357. 
Griggs, Col. C. W., 348. 
Growth of St. Paul, 370. 

H. 
Hahn, W. J., 377. 
Haines, T. J., 30, 37. 
Haley, my first teacher, 12. 
Hall, Harlan P., 376. 
Hall & Paar, 357. 
Halleck, Gen. W. H., 189, 192. 
Hambright, Gen. PL A., 263. 
Hamilton, G. A., 369. 
Hancock, Gen. W. S., 352. 
Hardee, Bvt. Col. W. J., 58, 98. 
Hardships endured by Federal soldiers, 

187. 
Harlan, Hon. James, 267. 
Harlan, Gen. J. M., 268, 269, 27o,"320. 
Harris, V. H., 293. 



424 



INDEX. 



Harrison, Col. T. J., i8i, 262. 

Hatch, J. P., 171. 

Hatch, Col. E. A. C, 350. 

Haupt, Gen. H., 369. 

Hazen, Gen. W. B., 227, 243, 302, 315. 

Heard, I. V. D., 359. 

Heavy rain-storm, 83. 

Hewitt, Girart, 385. 

Hickman, Beau, 173. 

Hill, Mr. A. W., 279. 

Hill, James J., 368, 369. 

Holabird, S. B., 30, 38, 65, 77, 79. 

Home religion, 13. 

Hood, Gen. J. B., 335. 

Hooker, Gen. Joe, 243. 

Horn, H. J., 357. 

Horse-race, Bumble-Bee, 103. 

Hotchkiss, Maj. W. A., 263, 350. 

Houston, Gov. Sam, 136. 

Hubbard, Gov. L. F., 348, 377. 

Hudson, E. McK., 30, 37. 

Huston, Lieut, D., 80. 

I. 

Ice-palace, 383. 

In the guard-house, 22. 

Incompetent officers, 1S2, 183. 

Indian conflict, 125. 

Indian nomenclature, 143. 

Indian policy, 137. 

Indian ring, 47. 

Indian stoiy-tellers, 52, 53. 

Ingersoll, D. W., 357. 

Iron and nails, 77. 



Jackson, Henry, 387. 
Jackson, Stonewall, 169, 194. 
Jackson, James S., 171, 257, 
Jennison, Gen. S. P., 377. 
Johnson, Andrew, 300, 301. 
Johnson, Dr. J. M., 18, 163, 261. 
Johnson, R. W., 30, 38, 90. 



Johnston, Gen. A. S., 63, 92, 99, 100, 

106, 107, 117, 118. 
Johnston, Gen. J. E., 164, 168, 169, 

274. 
Jones, Lieut. Saml., 32. 
Jones, Lieut. John M., 32. 
Jones, Adjt.-Gen., 38. 
Jones, Lieut.-Col. F, A., 181, 212. 
Jones, Thos., 301. 
Jones, Gen. A. C, 390. 
Jones, Capt. John, 350. 

K. 

Kellogg, John, 30, 37. 

Kelly, Anthony, 385. 

Kendrick, Prof. H. L., 31. 

Kentucky Legislature asks for Ander- 
son, 170. 

Kettleson, Charles, 377. 

Killing domestic animals, 264. 

King, Gen. J. H., 79, 240, 261, 278. 

King, Gen. J. R., 351. 

King, Hon. W. S., 385. 

Kirkham, Capt. R. W., 41. 

Kirk, Gen. E. N., 213, 215. 

Kittson, N. W., 50, 51, 355, 368, 369, 
390- 

L. 

Labor question, 395. 

Ladies in garrison, 27. 

Lane, Capt. W. B., 86. 

Larkin, Patrick, bugler, 121, 150. 

Larpenteur, A. L., 357, 389. 

Lawlessness in Texas, 62. 

Learning a trade, 393. 

Leather Breeches, 281. 

Leavenworth, Lieut.-Col. H., 39. 

Lecture at St. Anthony, 57. 

Le Due, Gen. W. G., 339. 

Lee, Lieut.-Col. R. E., 132, 133. 

Lee, Gen. Fitzhugh, t,-},. 

Lee, William, 357. 

Lester, Col. H. C, 348. 



INDEX. 



425 



Lewis, W. H., 30, 38. 

Library Association, 54. 

Lincoln, President, 167, 172, 269, 299, 

300, 322. 
Lindeke Bros., 357. 
Lindelce, William, 398, 399. 
Location of family, 162. 
Logan, Gen. J. A., 276, 282, 314. 
Long, Gen. Eli, 355. 
Loomis, Lieut.-Col. G., 36, 39, 41, 

388. 
Love-making at West Point, 25. 
Lowe, Lieut. W. R., 259. 
Lowry, Thos., 385. 
Loyalty of officers, 161. 

M. 

Mahan, Prof. D. H., 29, 31. 
Maize, Lieut. W. R., 259. 
Mann, Walter, 357. 
Mannheimer Bros., 357. 
Manual labor not degrading, 24. 
Marksmanship, Indian boys', 143. 
Marks, Surgeon Solon, 259. 
Married and off for Texas, 59. 
Marshall, Gen. W. R., 349. 
Marshall, L. H., 30, 38. 
Mattson, Col. Hans, 348. 
Maynadier, Lie«t. H. E., 84. 
McArthur, J. H., 30, 38, 97, 99. 
McClure, David, 30, 37. 
McCook, Gen. A. G., 242, 243, 280. 
McCook, Gen. A. McD., 180, 182, 194, 

204, 206, 210, 228, 307. 
McCulIoch, Maj. Ben., 96. 
McDowell, Gen. Irwin, 168, 169. 
Mcintosh, James, 30, 38, 59. 
Mclntyre, Mr. C. W., 384. 
McKeever, Chauncey, 30, 37. 
McLaren, Surg. A. N., 41, 44. 
McLaren, Gen. R. N., 349. 
McLaughlin, John, 112. 
McPhail, Col. Samuel, 350. 
Measles at Camp Neven, 181. 



Menial service, 23. 

Merriam, W. R., 352. ' 

Merriam, Hon. J. L., 369, 

Merritt, Gen. Wesley, 334. 

Metzner, Capt. A., 259, 263. 

Mexican campaign, 41. 

Mill Springs, battle of, 183. 

Miller, Col. Steven, 349. 

Miller, Gen. John F., 225. 

Mills, Sergt. John, 80. 

Milroy, Gen. R. H., 198. 

Monfort, Mr. D. A., 384. 

Monotony of cadet life, 21. 

Monroe, Capt. James, 41. 

Moore, J. C, 30, 37. 

Moore, Col. B. F., 242. 

Morgan, Col. George N., 347. 

Morris, Lieut.-Col. T., 59. 

Morris, Lieut. L. T., 259. 

Morton, Gov. O. P., 256. 

Moss, H. L., 365. 

Mounted regiments consolidated, 170. 

Moving Indians by contract, 48. 

Murray, Hon. W. P., 357. 

N. 

Narrow escape, 82. 
Nashville, battle of, 285. 
Nelson, Gen. William, 247, 267. 
Nelson, A. D., 41. 
Nicols & Dean, 357. 
Nimmo, W. A., 30, 37. 
Northers in Texas, 66. 
Northwestern Exposition, 384. 
Norton, Lieut. W. A., 32. 



Oakes, Capt. James, 100. 
Oath of allegiance, 161, 193. 
Occupation of Nashville, 185. 
Officers call on captain-general, Cuba, 

153- 
"Old Massa Johnson," 73. 
Old Settlers' Association, 366. 



28 



420 



AyD£X. 



O'Maher, Timodiv, lo. 

Opinion of Presideni of United Stales, 

22, 

Cferon, Lairrence W.. 223. 
Ods. lieni. E. A., 236, 237. 
Ods, CoL Elmer. 335. 
Ods, Geo. L., 357. 



Palme-. CapE. I. X., loo. 

Pahner, Gen. J. X.. 229, 261, 264, 265. 

274, 2S1, 310. 
Parke, J- G., 30, 37. 
Paikliiiisi, Gen. T. G. . 302. 
Panersou, Gen. Robe, 165. 16S, 169. 
Psrmaii of bonds, 375. 
Peikins, D. D., 30, 37. 
Perryrilie, banle of, 195. 
PetCT, W. G., 221. 
Pfaoide-, CoL Wnu, 350. 
Ptife-, liein. C W., 117. 
Fliilfidelphia Gtr Troop, 165. 
Paiow, Gen. G. J., 184- 
Pfflsbaiy, Got. JcAm 5., 376, 3S5. 
PSIlsborr, C A., 3S5. 
Pitdi», Gen. T. G., 5S. 
Fkb^ distnbnted to oconpanies, 21. 
Ilyraptoii, Maj. Jos., 50. 
Pope, CapC Jno., 129. 
PbJter, lient- A- P., no. 
Porter, Lieut. Htz-Joim, 32, 149. 
Potatoes raised chi zz-iii :i steamer 

"Fashion,'" 75. 
Powers Bros., 357. 
Powers, Dnrkee & Co., 357. 
Prince, Col. John S., 390. 
Prior, C HL, 369. 
Prranoted to sergeant, lientenanT.. and 

rapraJT'. 28. 
Piophecf of Mr. Seward, 370. 
Pnrdiase of hois^ 95, 160. 



R. 



RaHroai, 369. 



Ramsey, Gov. Alex., 47, 351, 353, 359, 

5^5' 367. 392- 

Randall, Hon. S. T-, 1 66. 

Ranlesnakes, 76, 115. 

Rebel spies, 219. 

Recraiiing at Owensboro', 17S. 

Reeve. Col. I. V. D., 58. 

Regiment ordered to Texas, 98. 

Reno, Gen. J. L., 339. 

Resignation of officers, 156. 

ResiOTation of law and order at Pu- 
laski, Tenn., 299. 

Revnolds, Lieut. J. J., 21. 

Reynolds, S. BL, 30, 3S, 55, So. 

Robert, Antoine, 52, 53. 

Robertson, B. H., 30, 37. 

Robertson, D. A., 390. 

Rogers, E. G., 357. 

Rollins, Hon. J- H., 344. 

Rose, Capt. Tbos. E., prcHnoted colonel, 
217. 

Rosecrans, Gen. W. 5., 194, 203, 210, 
215, 218, 220. 

Roster of Second Cavalry, 89. 

Roy, J. P., 30, 38. 

Royall, CoL W. B., 97, 344. 

RusseU, R- P., 356, 3S5. 

S. 

Sanboni, Gen. J- B., 348, 357. 

Saxttn, Rnfus, 30, 37. 

Schefib-, Albert, 3S3. 

Sch<^eid, Gen. T. M., 2S5, 2S6, 293, 

342. 
Schnyler, Lieut. EL P., 25 S. 
Scott, Gen. Winfield, 20, 166, 169. 
Scc-tt, CoL Robert X., 415. 
Scribner, Gen. B. F., 242. 
Sea-sickness, 152. 
Sheets, Lient. Frank X., 234. 
Sb^Aerd, CoL O. T., 151. 
Sheridan, Gen. P. H., 62, 85, 140. 
Sherman, Gen. W. T., 170, iSo, 1S4, 

^M4, 257, 307. 



INDEX. 



427 



Shiloh, battle of, 189. 

Sibley, H. H., 41, 353, 355, 359, 369, | 

373> 389. 392. I 

Sidle Bros., 385. 
Silvey, Wm., 30, 37. 
Simon, the nurse, 71. 
Sioux outbreak, 390. 
Slavery in Kentucky, 74. 
Smith, Gen. P. F., 76. 
Smith, Gen. W. F., 243. 
Smith, Brevet Maj. F. G., 289, 290. 
Smith, Gen. A. J., 293. 
Smith, Pascal, 357. 
Snelling, Col. Josiah, 39. 
Sprole, Prof. W. T., 31. 
Staff department, 336. 
Stafford, Maj. J. A., 207. 

Stanley, Gen. D. S., 285, 303, 335. 

Starkweather, Gen. J. C., 240. 

Steedman, Gen. James, 320. 

Steele, Franklin, 41, 50, 51, 385. 

Stevens, Col. J. H., 56, 385. 

Stickney, A. B., 369. 

Stinson, Capt. H. A., 277. 

Stockton, E. D., 30, 38. 

Stoneman, Gen. Geo., 335. 

Storming of Ice- Palace, 383. 

Stuart, Gen. J. E. B., 335. 

Sully, Gen. Alfred, 347. 

Switzler, Hon. W. F., 344. 

Sykes, Capt. Geo., 151. 

T. 

Talmadge, A. S., 383. 

Taylor, Lieut. O. H. P., 93. 

Terry, Maj.-Gen. A. H., 312. 

Tevis, W. C, 30, 37. 

Theatre visited, 174. 

The building at Fort Duncan, 64. 

Thomas, Capt. J. A., 27. 

Thomas, Gen. G. H., 96, 97, 158, 161, 
165, 171, 183, 204, 205, 233, 238, 
246, 263, 285, 287, 292, 296. 302. 
304, 305. 308. 



Thomas, Adjt.-Gen. L., 171, 172. 
Thomas, O. \V., 272. 
Thomas, Col. M. T., 349. 
Thompson Bros., 357. 
Thompson, Geo., 383. 
Tidball, J. L., 30, 38. 
Todd, Hon. R. L., 344. 
Tourtelotte, Col. J- E., 348. 
Tower, Z. B., 339. 
Trowbridge, Capt. C. F., 258. 
Twiggs, Gen. D. E., 94, 95, 118. 
Tyler, John, Vice-President, 22. 
Tyler, Lieut. C. H., 93. 



U. 



Uniform seized, 177. 
Upham, H. P., 357. 



Van Camp, Lieut. C, 119. 

Van Cleve, Mrs. C. O., 40. 

Van Cleve, Gen. H. P., 347. 

Vanderbilt's son, 173, 174. 

Van Dom, Maj., 109, no, iiS, 119, 

120. 
Van Slyke, W. A., 383. 
Von Baumbach, F., 377. 
Von Trebra, Lieut.- Col. H., iSi. 

W. 

Waite, Col. C. A., 134. 
Walker, Capt. J. G., 84. 
Wallace, Capt. G. W., 65. 
Wallace, Thos. K., 65, 69. 
Wallace, E. W., 65. 
Washington, T. A., 30, 38, 59. 
Water, scarcity of, 12S. 
Watkins, Col. L. D., 220. 
Weir, Prof. R. W., 32. 
Weitzel, Gen. Godfrey, 339. 
Wells, Capt. E. T., 236, 25S, 263. 
Wetmore, Lieut. L., 41. 



428 



INDEX. 



Wheeler, Gen. Joe, 335. 
Whipple, Gen. W. D., 304. 
Whiting, Capt. C. J., 105, 151. 
Wild-cat money, 374. 
Wild horses, 121. 
Wilkin, Hon. Wescott, 359. 
Wilkin, Col. A., 349. 
Wilkinson, Hon. M. S., 353. 
Williams, H. L., 357. 
Williams, J. F., 388. 
Williams, T. G., 30, 38. 
Willich, Col. A., 181. 
Willis, John W., 376. 



Willius Bros., 357. 
Wilson, Hon. E. M., 385. 
Wilson, Gen. J. H., 286, 299. 
Withers, John, 30, 38. 
Wood, Gen. T. J., 182. 
Woods, Maj. S., 41, 51, 56. 
Wright, Gen. H. G., 339. 

Y. 

Young, Hon. Winthrop, 385. 



Zollicoffer, Gen. F. A., 183. 



THE END. 













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